When is the future with ‘to be on the point of’ used?

Similar to ‘be about to’, the phrase to be on the point of is also used for imminent events. The construction itself is grammatically the simple present, but it has a future meaning. Now, compare the usage:

• Examples of using the expression ‘to be on the point of’ for occurrences that will occur in the very near future:
  • “He looks very annoyed. He’s on the point of leaving the party.”
  • “The presentation is so boring. I’m on the point of falling asleep.”
  • “Look! My grandparents are coming. They’re on the point of knocking on the door.”

How is the future with ‘to be on the point of’ formed?

The future with ‘to be on the point of’ is formed from the conjugated form of the verb ‘to be’ in the present simple (is, are, am), the complement ‘on the point of’, and the ing form (present participle) of the main verb used. Note accordingly:

Rule for the expression ‘be on the point of’

Conjugated form of ‘to be’ + ‘on the point of’ + present participle (ing form of the main verb)

Additional examples of the formation of ‘be on the point of’

Note that the respective verb is in the ing form:

• “I’m on the point of giving her the present.”
  • 1st person singular
• “The professor is on the point of starting.”
  • 3rd person singular
• “We’re on the point of leaving.”
  • 1st person plural

Further explanations related to the ‘Future with ‘on the point of’’

The following explanations refer to the topic ‘The immediate future with ‘on the point of’ in English grammar’ and may also be interesting:

• Conjugation and verb forms of the future with ‘to be going to’
• The future with ‘to be to’
• The simple future with ‘will’ (will future)
• Conjugation of ‘to be’ in the simple present
• Exercises on the future tenses