The phrase “I was about to + verb” is used to express that you were going to do something, but something interrupted or prevented you from doing it. This construction helps explain interrupted plans or actions that were going to happen in the near future.
“I was about to” Usage Examples
| Sno | English Example | Hindi Translation | Context Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I was about to go out. | मैं बाहर जाने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Interrupted plan |
| 2 | I was about to have dinner. | मैं रात का खाना खाने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Meal interruption |
| 3 | I was about to go to bed. | मैं सोने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Sleep interruption |
| 4 | I was about to leave for work. | मैं काम पर जाने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Work delay |
| 5 | I was about to call you. | मैं तुम्हें फोन करने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Communication delay |
| 6 | I was about to send the email. | मैं ईमेल भेजने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Task interruption |
| 7 | I was about to mow the lawn. | मैं लॉन घास काटने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Chore interruption |
| 8 | I was about to order food. | मैं खाना ऑर्डर करने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Meal delay |
| 9 | I was about to watch a movie. | मैं फिल्म देखने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Entertainment change |
| 10 | I was about to start cooking. | मैं खाना बनाना शुरू करने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Cooking delay |
| 11 | I was about to take a shower. | मैं नहाने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Bath interruption |
| 12 | I was about to book tickets. | मैं टिकट बुक करने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Travel plan change |
| 13 | I was about to pay the bill. | मैं बिल भरने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Payment interruption |
| 14 | I was about to complain. | मैं शिकायत करने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Complaint withdrawal |
| 15 | I was about to give up. | मैं हार मानने ही वाला/वाली था/थी। | Change of decision |
Key Grammar Rules
- Structure:
- “I was about to” + base form of verb
- Correct: “I was about to leave”
- Incorrect: “I was about to leaving”
- Tense Usage:
- Only for past interrupted actions
- Present equivalent: “I am about to” (for immediate future)
- Time Reference:
- Action was imminent when interrupted
- Usually followed by “but” explanation
- Subject-Verb Agreement:
- Always use “was” (not “were”) with “I”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
“I was about to went out”
“I was about to go out” (base verb form)
“I were about to call” “I was about to call” (singular verb)
“I was about calling you” “I was about to call you” (infinitive required)
Example Conversations
Situation 1:
A: Can you help me with this now?
B: I was about to start my homework, but I can help you first.
Situation 2:
A: Why didn’t you buy milk?
B: I was about to buy it when you called me away.
0 - 0
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
