French Phrase
Il va se passer quelque chose de gros ?
Meaning
Literally, “Is something big going to happen?” It is used to ask whether an important or dramatic event is expected soon. The tone can be curious, worried, or excited depending on context.
When to use
Use this phrase when you sense that a significant development is about to occur—whether in a conversation about news, a personal situation, or a plot twist in a story. It works best in informal or semi‑formal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ilvasepasserquelquechosedegros
Future Proche
The construction "aller + infinitive" expresses a near future action, similar to "going to" in English.
Pronominal Verb "se passer"
"Se passer" means "to happen"; it is used impersonally, so the subject "il" does not refer to a person.
Indefinite Pronoun "quelque chose"
"Quelque chose" means "something" and is always singular, regardless of what follows.
Adjective Agreement with "de"
When an adjective follows "de" after an indefinite expression, it agrees with the noun that would follow (here, "gros" stays masculine singular).
Forming a Question
In spoken French, a rising intonation is enough, but in writing you can add a question mark or use inversion: "Il va se passer quelque chose de gros ?"
🗨In Conversation
Il va se passer quelque chose de gros ?
Is something big going to happen?
Oui, le nouveau projet sera lancé la semaine prochaine.
Yes, the new project will be launched next week.
✕Common Mistakes
Il va se passer un gros chose ?
"Chose" is feminine, so the adjective must agree ("grosse"). The correct indefinite phrase is "quelque chose".
Il va se passer quelque chose gros ?
When an adjective follows "de" after an indefinite expression, keep the preposition "de" ("de gros").
Il va se passer quelque chose de gros.
In a question, you need a question mark or inversion; otherwise it reads as a statement.
Il va se passer quelque chose de gros ?
If you prefer written French, use inversion: "Quelque chose de gros va-t-il se passer ?"
↔Alternatives
Quelque chose d'important va-t-il se produire ?
Is something important about to happen?
Il se passe quelque chose de majeur, non ?
Something major is happening, right?
On va voir un gros événement bientôt, n'est‑ce pas ?
We’ll see a big event soon, won’t we?
Cultural Tip
The expression "Il va se passer..." is very common in French media and everyday talk to hint at upcoming news or rumors. It carries a slightly informal register, so in formal writing you might prefer "Un événement important va se produire". Also, remember that "gros" can sound colloquial; "important" or "majeur" are more neutral alternatives.