Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993.
about to, not about to
About to (She was about to lock up for the night) means “on the point of, just ready to” and poses no usage problem. Not about to, however, has only very recently become Standard at all levels. While this negative phrase can function as the negative of about to, usually it means “to have no intention whatsoever of,” as in The islanders are not about to be intimidated by threats of blockade. For more, see NOT ABOUT TO.
