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I was just about to leave when the phone rang.

C1

Sentence

Narrator

I was just about to leave when the phone rang.

Study notes

How to use in different contexts

Narrating a Story

I was just about to leave for the meeting when the phone rang.

Describing a Close Call

I was just about to walk across the street when the phone rang, saving me from an accident.

Expressing a Missed Opportunity

I was just about to leave when the phone rang; it was the job offer I'd been waiting for.

Setting a Scene

The sun was setting, and I was just about to leave when the phone rang, interrupting the peaceful moment.

Rephrased versions

Formal

I was on the verge of departing when the telephone rang.

Casual

I was about to head out when the phone went off.

Simpler English

I was leaving when the phone rang.

Phrases to learn

just about to leave

On the point of departing; imminently leaving.

the phone rang

The telephone received an incoming call.