這幾個與 BE 動詞連用的片語都可用來表示未來，尤其是用來指即將發生的事情或即將進行的動作。
Be about to (剛要；行將)
我們使用 be about to + 原形動詞來指我們預期很快就會發生的事情。它經常與 just 連用來加強語氣。例如：
- The train is about to leave. (火車剛要駛離)
- Amy looked as if she was about to cry. (艾美看來好像馬上就要哭出來了)
- We’re just about to set off for a walk. (我們正要出發去散步)
必須注意的是，當句中有時間詞時，我們就不能使用 be about to，而要用現在簡單式。例如：
- Hurry up! The ferry is about to leave! (快點！渡輪剛要駛離！)
- Hurry up! The ferry leaves in five minutes! (快點！渡輪將在五分鐘內駛離！) (正)
Hurry up! The ferry is about to leave in five minutes! (誤)
Be on the point of (即將…之時，正要…之時)
我們亦可使用 be on the point of + 動名詞來指我們預期很快就會發生的事情。它的意思相當於 be just about to。例如：
- My brother was on the point of leaving his job but then he got promoted so he changed his mind. (我弟弟正要辭職之際，竟獲得晉升，所以他就改變了心意)
- As I was on the point of giving up hope, an email arrived. (正當我要放棄希望之時，來了一封電子郵件)
Be due to (預計將，預期將)
我們使用 be due to + 原形動詞來指預定好或安排好的事情。例如：
- The visitors are due to arrive at the factory at 9:30. (訪客預定在 9：30 抵達工廠)
- The flight is due to arrive at 7:30, but it’s running 30 minutes late. (航班預定在 7：30 抵達，但要晚 30 分鐘)
Be to (即將，將要)
Be to + 原形動詞是一種相當正式的用法。例如：
- Peter is to report to the head office by 9:30 am. (彼得將在早上 9：30 之前向總公司匯報)
- I am to visit the dentist in the afternoon. (我將在下午去看牙醫)
Be to 經常出現在報紙以及新聞性刊物或網站的標題來指已經確定或決定的事情。此時 BE 動詞往往省略。例如：
- President to announce emergency plan on climate change. (總統將宣布關於氣候變遷的緊急計畫) (省略 BE 動詞)
(完整的句子：The president is to announce an emergency plan on climate change.)