Expressing "About To" with "Estar a punto de"
When you want to describe an action that is on the verge of happening, English uses the phrase "about to". In Spanish, we use the phrase estar a punto de.
To build this, just conjugate the verb estar for the subject, add a punto de, and follow it with an infinitive (the unconjugated action verb).
estar + a punto de + infinitive
| This bomb is about to explode. | Esta bomba está a punto de explotar. |
| The train is about to leave and you are not ready. | El tren está a punto de salir y tú no estás listo. |
Close Calls and Interruptions
This structure is incredibly useful for describing dramatic close calls, sudden warnings, or actions that are interrupted right before they happen.
| I am about to slip on the wet floor! | ¡Estoy a punto de resbalar en el piso mojado! |
| We were going to go out, but it is about to rain. | Nosotros íbamos a salir, pero está a punto de llover. |
| The leader is about to start the speech and the bell rings. | El líder está a punto de empezar el discurso y el timbre suena. |
Reflexive Verbs
When the imminent action uses a reflexive verb (like desmayarse, to faint), you can simply attach the reflexive pronoun to the end of the infinitive. Just make sure the pronoun matches the subject!
| I am about to faint because it is very hot. | Estoy a punto de desmayarme porque hace mucho calor. |
| The old building is about to collapse and sink into the mud. | El edificio viejo está a punto de derrumbarse y hundirse en el barro. |
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