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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Difference between "about to" and "be going to"

Hello,

I am looking forward to the difference between the following two sentences:

a) The bus is just about to leave.
b) The bus is just going to leave.

Best Regards,
  

Top answer

“Just about to” – implies the action is imminent but can be stopped. “Just going to” – is much the same, without a hint of possibly being stopped.

— Wilpeter

  • “Just about to” – implies the action is imminent but can be stopped.
  • “Just going to” – is much the same, without a hint of possibly being stopped.
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3 Answers
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“Just about to” – implies the action is imminent but can be stopped.
“Just going to” – is much the same, without a hint of possibly being stopped.
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wilpeter“Just about to” – implies the action is imminent but can be stopped.“Just going to” – is much the same, without a hint of possibly being stopped.
Wow, I've never thought about it this way. Thanks.
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I don't feel the suggestion of the possibility of the stopping of the bus that wipeter does. For me, 'about to' is simply more imminent than 'going to'. With 'just' in front of them, I feel no significant difference.
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