Learn French: D'ailleurs, le contrôleur est sur le point de vérifier les billets. - Besides, the ticket inspector is about to check the tickets.

D'ailleurs, le contrôleur est sur le point de vérifier les billets.

Besides, the ticket inspector is about to check the tickets.

Breakdown of D'ailleurs, le contrôleur est sur le point de vérifier les billets.

le billet

the ticket

him, it (masculine direct object pronoun)

les

them (direct object pronoun)

vérifier

to check

Questions & Answers about D'ailleurs, le contrôleur est sur le point de vérifier les billets.

How does the phrase est sur le point de work in this sentence?

This is the core expression for an imminent action, meaning "is about to" or "is on the verge of." It uses the verb être (here, est), the fixed phrase sur le point de, and is always followed directly by an infinitive verb (here, vérifier).

What is the exact meaning of D'ailleurs?

D'ailleurs is a very common linking word that translates to "besides," "moreover," or "by the way." In this sentence, it acts just like "besides" in English, adding a new piece of supporting information to the conversation.

Is there a difference between saying le contrôleur va vérifier and le contrôleur est sur le point de vérifier?

Yes, there is a difference in urgency. Using the near future (va vérifier) just means he "is going to check" sometime soon. Using est sur le point de vérifier emphasizes that the action is imminent, meaning he is about to check the tickets right this very second.

Why does contrôleur translate to "inspector"? Doesn't it mean "controller"?

In French, the verb contrôler often means "to check," "to inspect," or "to verify," rather than strictly "to control." Because of this, on trains or public transport, a contrôleur is the standard word for the ticket inspector or conductor.