Was Going To

Listen to four conversations using the grammar point.
Was Going To

Was going to / Were going to

Hear four conversations using this grammar point for free on elllo.org

Answer the following questions about the interview.

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.
  1. I was going to walk home, but it started raining.
  2. We were going to have a meeting at 2pm, but it was canceled.
  3. They were going to go to the beach, but they had to work.
  4. 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

  1. I was going to make a cup of tea, but we were out of tea.
  2. She was going to watch television but decided to sleep instead.
  3. They were going to play tennis until it started raining.
  4. 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

  1. She wasn’t going to attend the party, but her friend convinced her to go.
  2. We were going to leave, but we decided to stay until the end.
  3. I wasn’t going to eat the cake, but it looks too tasty.
  4. 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?

  1. Where was he going to go?
  2. What was she going to do?
  3. Was he going to go to the authorities?
  4. Were we going to tell them the good news?
  5. 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.
  1. We were just going to leave. I am so glad you meet you.
  2. I was just going to offer you a ride home, but I see you rode your bike here.
  3. I was just going to say that, but you said it first!
  4. 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.
  1. We were gonna go get a cup of coffee.
  2. They were gonna go speak to the manager.
  3. I was gonna ask if you watched that movie.
  4. They were gonna hire more staff, but the economy got bad.
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