Why faillir de rater rather than presque rater?

Question

Faillir de (rater, for example) is being used.  I have no problem with this usage, but wonder why presque is not used at all  -- e.g., j'ai presque rate as an alternative to j'ai failli rate.  Just curious.  Thanks!

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Hi Carol, 
It is just the way it is, no rhyme or reason.
to almost do something = faillir faire
note no 'de'
J'ai failli rater mon train = I almost missed my train
Nous avons failli tomber dans l'arnaque = We almost fell into the scam

Jean d'Argent · Answer

In which cases would I use "presque" instead of avoir+falli+infinitif

Cécile Janty-Davies · Answer

Hi Jean, 
A French person wouldn't  really use 'presque' for to almost do something.

J'ai failli m'évanouir = I almost fainted
J'ai failli le gifler = I almost slapped him

but you would for something like- 
Je n'ai presque plus de pain = I am almost out of bread 
Bonne Continuation!