be about/be on the point of

它们在语义上并没有什么区别,都表示最近的将来(正要,刚要)。但是,在语法上,be about 应与带 to 的动词不定式连用,而 be on the point of 则必须接动名词。

1. He was just about to dive when he saw the shark. (PEG) 他刚要跳水,突然看见了鲨鱼。

2. He fears that he is about to have a heart attack. (EDECT) 他害怕心脏病要发作。

3. The roof seems on the point of falling in. (ECD) 屋顶眼看就要塌下来了。

4. I was on the point of communicating with him by paper. (EDECT) 我正要写信跟他联系。about $^{4}$