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I was just about to leave when the phone rang.
C1Sentence
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.