Estar para + infinitivo vs. estar a punto de+ infinitivo

Sara G.A2Kwiziq community member

Estar para + infinitivo vs. estar a punto de+ infinitivo

Hello! Could you differentiate when you might use these two phrases? For example, if the sentence is - I am about to take a shower:

-Estoy a punto de ducharme 

-Estoy para ducharme

Are these sentences saying the same thing or is there some nuance that I'm missing out on?

Asked 4 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Sara

There is a different nuance. When we use "estar a punto de + infinitive" we mean that something is about to happen. When use use "estar para + infinitive" what we are expressing that someone/something is "ready for something", it is more like a "state". For example:

1. Estoy a punto de acostarme - I am about to go to bed. (this doesn't say more than what you are about to do)

2. Estoy para acostarme - I am saying that I am ready to go to bed, because I am tired. It doesn't necessarily imply you are going to go to bed next minute though. 

Saludos

Inma

Estar para + infinitivo vs. estar a punto de+ infinitivo

Hello! Could you differentiate when you might use these two phrases? For example, if the sentence is - I am about to take a shower:

-Estoy a punto de ducharme 

-Estoy para ducharme

Are these sentences saying the same thing or is there some nuance that I'm missing out on?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Clever stuff happening!