stavo per + Infinitive
'Stare Per' in the Past (Was About to)
The construction stare per + infinito in the past (using the imperfetto) translates to 'was/were about to' or 'was/were on the verge of.' It describes an action that was just seconds or minutes away from occurring at a specific moment in the past.
How It Works
1. Structure and Conjugation
The pattern follows a simple formula: stare (conjugated in the imperfetto) + per + infinito.
- Stavo per uscire (I was about to go out)
- Stavamo per chiamarti (We were about to call you)
2. The 'Near-Miss' Nuance
In the past tense, this construction carries a strong implication that the action did not actually take place. It is frequently followed by a conjunction like ma (but) or quando (when) to explain the interruption.
3. Placement of Reflexive Pronouns
When using reflexive verbs, the pronoun can be placed in two positions:
- Before the verb stare: Mi stavo per addormentare.
- Attached to the end of the infinitive: Stavo per addormentarmi.
Both are equally correct and common.
4. Adverb Placement
This construction is generally inseparable. However, specific adverbs like quasi (almost) or già (already) can be inserted between stare and per for emphasis: Stavo quasi per cadere (I was almost about to fall).
Examples (5)
- Stavo per chiamarti proprio ora, ma mi hai preceduto.
I was just about to call you, but you got there first.
Word by Word: I was for to call you just now, but me you preceded.
This is a classic use of the pattern where a planned action is interrupted by the other person's initiative.
- Il film stava per iniziare quando è andata via la luce.
The movie was about to start when the power went out.
Word by Word: The film was for to start when is gone away the light.
Here, 'stava per' sets the scene for a sudden change in circumstances (the power outage).
- Stavamo per uscire, ma poi ha cominciato a piovere a dirotto.
We were about to go out, but then it started to pour.
Word by Word: We were for to go out, but then has started to rain to downpour.
The use of 'stavamo' (imperfetto) indicates the state of being ready to leave right before the rain started.
- Mi stavo per sedere quando ho visto che la sedia era rotta.
I was about to sit down when I saw that the chair was broken.
Word by Word: Myself I was for to sit when I have seen that the chair was broken.
This shows the reflexive pronoun 'mi' placed before the verb 'stare'.
- Stavo quasi per dimenticare le chiavi di casa!
I was almost about to forget the house keys!
Word by Word: I was almost for to forget the keys of house!
The adverb 'quasi' is placed between 'stavo' and 'per' to emphasize how close the action came to happening.
Common Mistakes
Using 'stare a' instead of 'stare per' for imminence.
Stavo a uscire quando hai suonato.Stavo per uscire quando hai suonato.'Stare a + infinitive' is a regional/colloquial variant of the progressive (stare + gerundio) and does not mean 'about to.' Always use 'per' for imminence.
Using compound tenses like the Passato Prossimo.
Sono stato per chiamarti.Stavo per chiamarti.Imminence is considered a state or a background condition in the past, so the 'imperfetto' (stavo) is required. Compound tenses like 'sono stato' are not used with this construction.
Literal translation of 'going to' using 'andare a'.
Andavo a mangiare quando mi hai chiamato.Stavo per mangiare quando mi hai chiamato.In Italian, 'andare a + infinitive' usually implies physical movement. To say you were 'about to' do something, 'stare per' is the natural and correct choice.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'stare per' in the past, you must first understand the basic 'stare per + infinitive' construction used for imminent actions. Additionally, you need to know how to conjugate 'stare' in the imperfect tense (stavo, stavi, etc.) to shift the timeframe to the past.
- stare per + Infinitive'Stare Per' + Infinitive (About to)
This is the base construction in the present tense; understanding the 'about to' meaning is essential before applying it to the past.
Level 2 - Imperfect Tense
The past version of this construction ('was about to') requires the imperfect conjugation of the verb 'stare'.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- stare + GerundPresent Progressive (Stare + Gerund)
While 'stare per' describes an action that hasn't started, 'stare + gerundio' describes an action already in progress.
Level 1 - essere sul punto di + Infinitive'Essere Sul Punto Di' + Infinitive
A more formal and literary synonym for 'stare per' that functions in the same way.
Level 4 - Clitic Pronoun Placement with the Infinitive
Explains the rules for where to place reflexive and object pronouns when using an infinitive verb.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Sources
Practice stavo per + Infinitive in Bubblegum
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