être sur le point de
To be close to
Literalmente: To be on the point of
Use this to describe an action that is literally seconds away from starting.
En 15 segundos
- Used for actions happening in the next few seconds or minutes.
- Followed by an infinitive verb like 'partir' or 'manger'.
- Works in present and past tenses for immediate timing.
Significado
This phrase is used when you are just seconds or minutes away from doing something. It is that 'brink' moment where the action is inevitable and about to happen immediately.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Answering a phone call while leaving the house
Je suis sur le point de partir, on s'appelle plus tard ?
I am just about to leave, can we talk later?
A waiter asking for an order at a nice bistro
Nous sommes sur le point de choisir, encore une minute s'il vous plaît.
We are just about to choose, one more minute please.
Texting a friend who is waiting for you
Désolé ! J'étais sur le point de sortir quand j'ai perdu mes clés.
Sorry! I was just about to head out when I lost my keys.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the French linguistic focus on temporal precision. While English often uses 'about to' loosely, the French 'point' emphasizes a specific, singular moment in time. It has been a staple of the language since the 17th century, appearing frequently in classical theater to signal a character's impending action.
The 'D' Apostrophe Rule
Don't forget to change 'de' to 'd'' if the next verb starts with a vowel, like `être sur le point d'arriver`.
Don't confuse with 'Prêt à'
`Prêt à` means you are prepared/ready, but `sur le point de` means it is actually happening now regardless of preparation.
En 15 segundos
- Used for actions happening in the next few seconds or minutes.
- Followed by an infinitive verb like 'partir' or 'manger'.
- Works in present and past tenses for immediate timing.
What It Means
Imagine you are standing on the very edge of a diving board. You haven't jumped yet, but your toes are gripping the wood. That is être sur le point de. It describes an action that is imminent. It is stronger than just saying 'soon'. It means 'right now' or 'any second.'
How To Use It
You follow this phrase with a verb in its infinitive form. For example, être sur le point de partir. You must conjugate the verb être to match your subject. It works in the past tense too. Use j'étais sur le point de for 'I was just about to.' It is a great way to explain why you didn't answer the phone.
When To Use It
Use it when timing is tight. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter approaches and you finally decide. Use it when you are about to sneeze. It is perfect for dramatic reveals in stories. It works well when you are interrupted. 'I was just about to tell you!' is a classic use case. It shows you were mentally already doing the task.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things happening next week. If the event is hours away, use aller plus the infinitive. Do not use it for vague intentions. If you 'plan' to buy a car, this is too strong. It implies the pen is already touching the contract. Also, avoid it for slow, gradual changes. It is for a specific 'point' in time, not a season.
Cultural Background
French people value the distinction between the near future and the immediate future. This phrase highlights the 'precision' of the moment. It feels more sophisticated than the basic je vais. It suggests a state of readiness. In French cinema, this phrase often builds suspense before a big climax. It captures that breathless moment before a change occurs.
Common Variations
You might hear être sur le point que in very old literature, but ignore that. Stick to the de version for modern life. A more casual alternative is être prêt à. However, être sur le point de remains the gold standard for 'just about to.' If you want to be extra, add tout at the start. Je suis tout sur le point de... makes you sound very urgent and perhaps a bit stressed!
Notas de uso
This phrase is perfectly neutral. It fits in a boardroom, a romantic dinner, or a text to your mom. Just remember to conjugate 'être' correctly!
The 'D' Apostrophe Rule
Don't forget to change 'de' to 'd'' if the next verb starts with a vowel, like `être sur le point d'arriver`.
Don't confuse with 'Prêt à'
`Prêt à` means you are prepared/ready, but `sur le point de` means it is actually happening now regardless of preparation.
The 'Almost' Excuse
French people often use `J'étais sur le point de le faire` as a polite way to say 'I forgot but I'll do it now!'
Ejemplos
6Je suis sur le point de partir, on s'appelle plus tard ?
I am just about to leave, can we talk later?
Shows the action is happening right now.
Nous sommes sur le point de choisir, encore une minute s'il vous plaît.
We are just about to choose, one more minute please.
Polite way to ask for a tiny bit more time.
Désolé ! J'étais sur le point de sortir quand j'ai perdu mes clés.
Sorry! I was just about to head out when I lost my keys.
Uses the past tense to explain a delay.
Je suis sur le point d'éternuer... ça arrive !
I'm about to sneeze... it's coming!
Captures a physical sensation that is imminent.
Elle était sur le point de pleurer quand il a enfin souri.
She was on the verge of crying when he finally smiled.
Describes a state of high emotion.
Nous sommes sur le point de conclure cet accord historique.
We are on the verge of concluding this historic agreement.
Adds a sense of gravity and importance.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct form to say 'We were just about to eat.'
Nous ___ sur le point de manger.
To say 'were about to', you use the imparfait of être.
Complete the phrase with the correct preposition.
Il est sur le point ___ craquer.
The idiom always uses 'de' (or 'd'') before the infinitive.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'être sur le point de'
Using 'aller' (Je vais partir)
Je vais y aller.
Standard use of the phrase
Je suis sur le point de partir.
In professional writing
La société est sur le point de fusionner.
When to use 'Sur le point de'
Leaving the house
Je suis sur le point de sortir.
Physical reactions
Il est sur le point de s'endormir.
Business deals
Ils sont sur le point de signer.
Emotional peaks
Elle est sur le point de craquer.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means to be just about to do something or on the verge of an action. For example, Je suis sur le point de manger means you are sitting at the table with your fork in hand.
Yes, the future tense is for later. This phrase is for the immediate 'now' or 'seconds from now'.
Absolutely. It is neutral and polite. You might write Nous sommes sur le point de finaliser le projet to show progress.
Use the imparfait: J'étais sur le point de. This is very common when explaining why you didn't do something sooner.
Yes, it's very common for feelings. You can say être sur le point de pleurer (to be on the verge of tears).
Not exactly a slang version, but in casual speech, people just use Je vais (I'm going to) or Je suis prêt (I'm ready).
Yes! You can say Le vase est sur le point de tomber (The vase is about to fall).
Forgetting the de. You cannot say Je suis sur le point partir. It must be sur le point DE partir.
It is used equally in both. It is a very versatile and standard part of the French language.
Not necessarily. It can be an intentional action or an accidental one, like falling or sneezing.
Frases relacionadas
être prêt à
être sur le point que
aller + infinitive
être à deux doigts de
être en train de
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