4 Must-Know English Time Phrases: Learn ‘Be About To’, ‘On Time’ and More
Time expressions in English like “be about to”, “just in time”, “on time”, and “any time now” are essential for daily conversation and business communication. In this post, you’ll learn the meaning and use of these expressions through a simple quiz and explanations. Whether you’re an English learner or a teacher, these phrases will help you talk about timing more naturally and confidently.
Results
#1. I was ___________ leave the house when the phone rang.
#2. Don’t worry, the train hasn’t left yet. You’re __________!
#3. The meeting starts at 10:00 and he arrived exactly at 10:00. He was __________.
#4. Hurry up! The movie is __________ start!
#5. I got to the airport __________ to catch my flight before they closed the gate.
#6. They always arrive __________. Never early, never late.
#7. The guests should be here __________. Get ready!
#8. The baby is due next week, but it could come __________.
📝 Explanation of Time Expressions
🔹 Be about to + base verb
Used to say something is going to happen very soon.
👉 I was about to call you when you arrived!
(= I was just ready to call you.)
🔹 Just in time
Arriving or doing something at the last possible moment, before it’s too late.
👉 He got to the station just in time to catch the train.
(= If he had arrived a little later, he would have missed it.)
🔹 On time
Happening or arriving at the correct, planned time.
👉 The train arrived on time at 6 p.m.
(= Not late or early.)
🔹 Any time now
Used when you expect something to happen very soon, but you’re not sure exactly when.
👉 The delivery should arrive any time now.
(= It could happen at any moment.)
Don’t forget to try using them in your own sentences in the comments below!
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