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?

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