Mr.Maru: Ahh, another hard day at the office.

Sparky: You look tired.

Mr.Maru: I am tired. It was hard work today.

Sparky: Well, I just start a movie. Do you want to watch it with me?

Mr.Maru: Sure! Can you tell me about the beginning?

Sparky: The beginning? I didn't start it.

Mr.Maru: You said you did.

Sparky: No I didn't, I just start a movie.

Mr.Maru: Oh man.

What is the difference between about to and just?

About to and just are used to talk about time. You can use it them to be specific about an action. Let's talk about the differences:

Just

Just is used to talk about the moment after an action. Just means you completed the action a short time ago. For example,

I just cleaned the bathroom. It smells good!

I just made some cookies. Do you want a cookie?

Just can also mean 'only'. You did one action and no more actions.

I just looked at the cookies. I didn't eat the cookies!

I just cleaned the bathroom. I didn't clean the kitchen.

About to

About to is used to talk about the moment before an action. About to means you are ready to do the action. For example,

I'm about to go fishing. Do you want to go fishing with me?

I'm about to clean the bathroom. I have my cleaner, my gloves, and my brush.

Just About to

Just about to is used to talk about a moment before the action. This moment is closer to the action.

I am just about to leave. The door is open and I have my shoes and jacket on.

It is also used when an action does not happen because something happened.

I was just about to leave when you called me.

Let's take a short quiz:

1) I _____ go shopping. I'm really excited. I'm going to buy a new shirt!

A) just

B) am about to

C) am just about to

2) I ____ painted the chair. Don't sit in it!

A) just

B) am about to

C) am just about to

3) I ____ call my friend. I have my cell phone out and open.

A) just

B) am about to

C) am just about to

Answers:

1. B) or C)
2. A)
3. C) - I am going to call very soon.

That's it. Thanks for reading. Can you make sentences using just or about to? Try it in the comments below.  Be sure to login, so you can earn Kala. If you have a question, please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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