JLPT N3 grammar

〜ところだったmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. Was just about to (do) A; Was just thinking of doing A
  2. Almost did A; A nearly happened (but did not)

How to form it

  • verb (dictionary form)ところだった
  • もう少しで/危うくverb (dictionary form)ところだった

How it is used

1) 'I was just about to A' at that moment. 2) With 「もう少しで」 or 「危うく」, 'I almost A'd': something nearly happened but didn't, often said with relief.

Examples

  1. 僕はあの時帰るところだった。

    I was just about to head home at that time.

  2. もう少しで電車に乗り遅れるところだった。

    I almost missed the train.

  3. ちょうど今、出かけるところだったんです。

    I was just about to head out.