Hi Max, At least for me, both "estar + por + [infinitive]" or "estar + para + [infinitive]" sound strange. They may be grammatically right, but it most common (real use) to say "estar + a punto de + [infinitive]", and I suggest you to use always this option. Best regards, Luis Carlos

Hello, I agree with Luis Carlos, I would use most of the times: "Estar a punto de + [infinitive]". However, here in Colombia: "estar + por + [infinitive]" is used as well. So if you say any of the following sentences, I would think your grammar is perfect: "I am about to graduate from college" 1. Estoy a punto de graduarme de la universidad. 2. Estoy por graduarme de la universidad. (this way is less common) On the other hand, if you say: "Estoy para graduarme de la universidad", I would think you made a grammar mistake.

This expressions can be tricky, but I'll do my best to explain them. "Estar + para + [infinitive]" could mean "be about to do something" or "be willing to do something". However its use is restricted and it may sound strange in some cases. Examples: "Está para llover." (It looks like it's going to rain sometime soon). "¡No estoy para escuchar la misma historia de siempre!" (I'm not willing to listen to the same old story!). "Estar + por + [infinitive]". Two possible meanings. First meaning: the subject is yet to be done the action expressed by the infinitive. "La comida está aún por hacerse" (the meal is yet to be done). "Su biografía está aún por escribirse" (his biography is yet to be written). The second meaning is very similar to the expression "be about to do something", but it suggest that the subject is tempted or has the intention to do it. "Estoy por pedirle un autógrafo" (I'm tempted - and possibly about to - ask him for his autograph). In some countries in America, it can plainly mean "be about to do something". "Estar + por + [infinitive]" is more common than "estar + para + [infinitive]". Nevertheless, the expression "estar a punto de" is in most cases preferred. Hope this helps!