The phrase "about to" implies that something is going to happen very soon. However, there are many synonyms for this phrase that can help you convey the meaning more creatively. Some synonyms include "on the brink of," "just about," "nearly," "almost," "approaching," "close to," and "on the verge of." Each synonym has a slightly different connotation, so it's important to select the one that best fits the context. Whether you're writing a story, preparing a speech, or communicating with someone, using an alternative to "about to" can help you add depth and variety to your language.