TO ALMOST DO SOMETHING
To express the idea that you almost or nearly did something (but didn’t), you can use the French verb faillir + infinitive along with avoir.
This is so easy to do that you don’t even need to know how to conjugate faillir! You can start using this verb today, even if you’re a beginner. All you need to know is how to conjugate the verb avoir in the present tense!
Faillir + Infinitive
The following construction is actually the passé composé, but don’t worry about that for now if you haven’t yet learned it. You can still do this.
Just remember that using faillir this way means that you almost or nearly did something, and you’ll always use it the same way:
| subject + | present tense avoir + | failli + | any infinitive |
| Nous | avons | failli | tomber |
| Nous avons failli tomber. | We almost / nearly fell (down). |
Present tense conjugation of avoir
| j’ai | nous avons |
| tu as | vous avez |
| il – elle – on a | ils – elles ont |
Video Lesson: French Faillir + Infinitive
Watch my video lesson in which I’ll provide clear explanations, engaging examples, and practical tips to help you grasp the concept of using the French verb Faillir + Infinitive.
