# was going to

CEFR B1 · Fixed phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/was-going-to
Updated: 2026-08-05

## Definition

you use this to talk about a plan you had in the past that did not happen or changed.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I was go to call you." but "I was going to call you." — the phrase requires the '-ing' form of 'go' followed by 'to' and the base verb.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.