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!

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

Answer

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

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!