Using Estar a punto de + [infinitive] = to be about to do something in Spanish (perífrasis verbal)

Learn how to say "about to do something" in Spanish

In Spanish we use this verbal structure to say when a person is about to do [something]:

Estar (conjugated) a punto de + Infinitivo

Have a look and listen to the following examples in different tenses:

Estoy a punto de aterrizar en Madrid.I am about to land in Madrid.

Susana está a punto de llamarte.Susana is about to call you.

Nosotros estábamos a punto de salir cuando llegó nuestra madre.We were about to leave when our mother arrived.

Mis amigos estaban a punto de venir cuando sonó el teléfono.My friends were about to come when the telephone rang.

has estado a punto de entrar sin avisar.You were about to enter without warning.

No creo que esté a punto de llover.I don't think it is about to rain.

Bear in mind that although this verbal structure can be used in different tenses, when used in El Pretérito Perfecto it could also express an action that was "nearly done" but never happened.

For example:

He estado a punto de atropellar a un gato. 
I nearly ran over a cat (but I didn't).

See also Soler para expresar hábitos.

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Examples and resources

Estoy a punto de aterrizar en Madrid.I am about to land in Madrid.
Susana está a punto de llamarte.Susana is about to call you.
Nosotros estábamos a punto de salir cuando llegó nuestra madre.We were about to leave when our mother arrived.
Mis amigos estaban a punto de venir cuando sonó el teléfono.My friends were about to come when the telephone rang.
has estado a punto de entrar sin avisar.You were about to enter without warning.
No creo que esté a punto de llover.I don't think it is about to rain.
I'll be right with you...