Look at those storm clouds! When the weather is changing rapidly, or you are deciding what to do next, you need a way to express that something is just about to happen, or that you are tempted to take action.
Imminent Actions with Estar Para
When you want to say that something is just about to happen, use the phrase estar para followed by an infinitive verb. It translates directly to "to be about to."
| The downpour is imminent; it is about to rain. | El chaparrón es inminente; está para llover. |
| After hearing a thunderclap, the downpour is about to fall. | Después de haber oído un trueno, el chaparrón está para caer. |
Inclination with Estar Por
If you want to express that you are tempted, inclined, or in the mood to do something, use estar por followed by an infinitive.
| The wind began to blow; I am inclined to leave so as not to get soaked. | El viento empezó a soplar; estoy por irme para no empaparme. |
| The girl is inclined to take shelter here, it's just that she doesn't want to get soaked. | La niña está por resguardarse aquí, es que no quiere empaparse. |
Pending Actions with Estar Por
Estar por has a second common use. When talking about a task, a state, or an event, estar por + infinitive means that something is "yet to be done" or "pending."
| There are puddles in the street and the mud is yet to be cleaned. | Hay charcos en la calle y el lodo está por limpiar. |
| The wind is blowing very strongly and the storm is yet to arrive. | El viento sopla muy fuerte y la tormenta está por llegar. |
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