English for Intermediate Students - CEFR B2 - Lesson 4 of 25

Was going to

Read and listen to four conversations using the grammar.

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Conversation 1

Man: How was your lunch?
Woman: Good. I ate at the new taco truck.
Man: Really? I was going to go there, but I got busy. How is it?
Woman: Good, but it is a bit pricey.
Man: Oh, really?
Woman: Yeah, I was gonna have two tacos, but at seven bucks apiece, I just had one.
Man: Wow, that is pricey!

Conversation 2

Man: Hey, check out my new car!
Woman: Oh, this is the one that was for sale.
Man: Yeah, the guy sold it to us cheap.
Woman: Really? Is there something wrong with it?
Man: No, it is just old. I wasn’t going to buy it at first, but after driving it, I love it.
Woman: Well, as long as it runs. So, can I get a ride home?
Man: I was just going to offer you one.

Conversation 3

Woman: Hey, what a surprise! I was just going to call you.
Man: Oh, yeah? What’s up?
Woman: I was going to ask if you are still coming to the party.
Man: Yes, of course. I am really looking forward to it.
Woman: That’s great. I am so glad you can make it.
Man: Are you still planning on having it outside?
Woman: We were going to, but it looks like it is going to rain.
Man: No worries. I prefer indoor parties anyway.

Conversation 4

Woman: Hey, why are you here? I thought you were going to play futsal.
Man: I was, but we had to cancel.
Woman: Oh, yeah? What happened?
Man: Bob was going to drive us, but he got called in to work.
Woman: Oh, he was your only ride?
Man: Sadly, yes.
Woman: Well, now you get to hang out with me!
Man: I was just going to say that!

Was going to / Were going to

Point 1: We use ‘was/were + going to + base verb’ to talk about a future plan that was canceled.

I was going to walk home, but it started raining.
We were going to have a meeting at 2pm, but it was canceled.
They were going to go to the beach, but they had to work.
He was going to start a new job in the summer, but he got sick.

Point 2: This verb phrase follows this pattern in affirmative sentences:

Affirmative: Subject + was/were + going to + base verb

I was going to make a cup of tea, but we were out of tea.
She was going to watch television but decided to sleep instead.
They were going to play tennis until it started raining.
They were going to get married, but their parents forbade it.

Point 3: This verb phrase follows this pattern in negative sentences:

Negative: Subject + was/were + not + going to + base verb

She wasn’t going to attend the party, but her friend convinced her to go.
We were going to leave, but we decided to stay until the end.
I wasn’t going to eat the cake, but it looks too tasty.
She wasn't going to take the job, but in the end, she needed the money.

Point 4: This verb phrase follows this pattern for questions:

WH question: Wh-word + was/were + subject + going to + base verb?

Yes/No question: Was/were + subject + going to + base verb?

Where was he going to go?
What was she going to do?
Was he going to go to the authorities?
Were we going to tell them the good news?
Were you going to eat the last slice of cake?

Point 5: We use ‘just + going to’ to indicate a plan that was made immediately at the time of speaking.

We were just going to leave. I am so glad you meet you.
I was just going to offer you a ride home, but I see you rode your bike here.
I was just going to say that, but you said it first!
I was just going to call you! Can I ask you some questions?

Point 6: Pronunciation tip! When speaking, we often say ‘gonna’ instead of ‘going to’. When writing, always use 'going to' as it is more appropriate.