Expressions of imminence (dar shorof-e)

On the Verge

To express that something is just about to happen, Persian uses در شرف (on the verge of) or در آستانه (on the threshold of). Link these phrases to a noun using the Ezafe. The sentence typically ends with the "to be" copula.

Because آستانه ends in a silent heh (ه), its Ezafe takes the form of a ye (ی).

Using Infinitives

You can also use these expressions with actions. Attach a full infinitive (a verb ending in ـدن or ـتن) directly after the Ezafe.

When using a compound verb, the entire compound infinitive simply follows the expression of imminence.

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