〜ところだった

I was just about to...; I almost...

1. Overview

「〜ところだった」 is a grammatical structure used to indicate that a certain action was on the verge of happening but did not actually occur. It expresses a sense of regret or relief about what might have happened.

2. Structure

• Verb (dictionary form) + ところだった
• Verb (た-form) + ところだった
• Noun + のところだった

3. Usage Explanation

• Indicating Near Completion:
  This structure is used to convey that one was just about to complete an action or that an event was imminent.

• Expressing Regret or Relief:
  It often carries a connotation of regret about what did not happen or relief that something did not occur.

• English Translation:
  It can be translated as "I was just about to...", "I almost...", or "It was a close call that...".

4. Example Sentences

1. もう少し遅れていたら、電車に乗り遅れるところだった。
   If I had been a little later, I would have missed the train.

2. その時、電話が鳴ったので、話しかけるところだった。
   At that moment, I was just about to speak when the phone rang.

3. 彼に告白しようとしたところだった。
   I was just about to confess to him.

4. 宿題を忘れるところだったが、思い出した。
   I almost forgot my homework, but I remembered it.

5. 危うく転んでしまうところだった。
   I almost fell down.

5. Key Points to Note

• Context of Near Action:
  「〜ところだった」 emphasizes the proximity of an action occurring, making it clear that the action was imminent.

• Tone of Regret or Relief:
  This structure often conveys emotions of regret or relief regarding the situation.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜かける: Indicates that something was about to happen but did not complete.
  • Example: 今にも泣きかけた。
    I was about to cry.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜つつあった: Indicates that an action was in progress but is typically more neutral than 「〜ところだった」.
  • Example: 彼は出かけつつあった。
    He was about to go out.

8. Summary

「〜ところだった」 is used to express that an action was on the verge of occurring but ultimately did not happen. It often conveys a sense of regret or relief, highlighting the close call of a situation.