Be about to plus the bare infinitive is neutral and common, as in the plane is about to take off. Be on the point of plus a gerund is formal, emphasizing the precise moment before an action, while be on the verge of often carries a stronger sense of crisis, as in the company is on the verge of bankruptcy.
Grammar Rule
Be about to + bare infinitive is neutral and common. Be on the point of + gerund is formal, emphasizing the precise moment before an action. Be on the verge of + gerund/noun often carries a stronger sense of crisis or dramatic change. Only about to takes the bare infinitive; the other two require of + gerund/noun.
Be About To / Be On The Point Of / Be On The Verge Of: Rules and Examples
| Expression | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Be about to | + bare infinitive | The plane is about to take off. |
| Be on the point of | + of + gerund; precise moment | She was on the point of leaving when the phone rang. |
| Be on the verge of | + of + gerund/noun; crisis or intensity | The company is on the verge of bankruptcy. |
Remember: About to takes the bare infinitive, while on the point of and on the verge of both require of + gerund/noun — never an infinitive.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using be about to, on the point of, and on the verge of correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C2-52 Be About To / Be On The Point Of / Be On The Verge Of
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Frequently Asked Questions
What form follows be about to?
The bare infinitive, as in the plane is about to take off.
What form follows be on the point of and be on the verge of?
Of plus a gerund or noun, never an infinitive.
What does be on the point of emphasize?
The precise moment before an action, as in she was on the point of leaving when the phone rang.
What does be on the verge of often suggest?
A stronger sense of crisis or dramatic change, as in the company is on the verge of bankruptcy.