14.13 Important English adverbs without direct equivalent in French

Some adverbs do not have a French equivalent, but need to be described by a verbal phrase.

14.13.1 almost = avoir failli

almost = avoir failli
  J' ai failli tomber. *
    I almost fell.
  Tu as failli faire une bêtise.
    You almost made a stupid mistake.

The verb faillir is almost only used in this meaning of almost. However, there are a few fixed phrases with this verb.

almost = avoir failli
  Il a failli à sa tache.
    He is failed to do is task.
  La mémoire lui a failli.
    His memory failed.






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