Word
was going to
Definition
fixed phrase. you use this to talk about a plan you had in the past that did not happen or changed.
fixed phrase. a construction used to express 'future in the past' or unfulfilled intentions. It consists of the past continuous of 'go' followed by a full infinitive, typically indicating a plan that was interrupted or abandoned.
Examples
“I was going to call you, but I forgot.”
“We were going to go to the beach, but then it started raining so we stayed home.”
“The company was going to launch the product in spring, but supply chain issues forced a six-month delay.”
Examples
simple
“I was going to call you, but I forgot.”
contextual
“We were going to go to the beach, but then it started raining so we stayed home.”
complex
“The company was going to launch the product in spring, but supply chain issues forced a six-month delay.”
Usage
often followed by 'but' to explain why the plan changed.
Teaching tip
use this to teach 'unfulfilled intentions'; it is a great way to introduce narrative tension in storytelling by contrasting a plan with a surprising reality.
Pitfall
I was go to call you.
I was going to call you.
the phrase requires the '-ing' form of 'go' followed by 'to' and the base verb.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/was-going-to