Faillir de (rater, for example) is being used. I have no problem with this usage, but wonder why presque is not used at all -- e.g., j'ai presque rate as an alternative to j'ai failli rate. Just curious. Thanks!
Why faillir de rater rather than presque rater?
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CarolKwiziq Q&A regular contributor
Why faillir de rater rather than presque rater?
This question relates to:French lesson "Faillir + infinitive = to say you almost did something"
Asked 1 year ago
Hi Carol,
It is just the way it is, no rhyme or reason.
to almost do something = faillir faire
note no 'de'
J'ai failli rater mon train = I almost missed my train
Nous avons failli tomber dans l'arnaque = We almost fell into the scam
JeanKwiziq Q&A regular contributor
In which cases would I use "presque" instead of avoir+falli+infinitif
CécileKwiziq team member
Hi Jean,
A French person wouldn't really use 'presque' for to almost do something.
J'ai failli m'évanouir = I almost fainted
J'ai failli le gifler = I almost slapped him
but you would for something like-
Je n'ai presque plus de pain = I am almost out of bread
Bonne Continuation!
Carol asked:View original
Why faillir de rater rather than presque rater?
Faillir de (rater, for example) is being used. I have no problem with this usage, but wonder why presque is not used at all -- e.g., j'ai presque rate as an alternative to j'ai failli rate. Just curious. Thanks!
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