Form : ( Was / were going to + infinitive (verb 1) )

In English we use was / were going to to talk about plans we made in the past which didn't happen, or won't happen in the future.

Examples sentences :

• I was going to visit my aunt when I went to England, but she had gone to Spain for the summer. (So I didn't visit her)
• We were going to move to Thailand next year, but we were offered better jobs here. (So we didn't go)
• Simon was going to take a holiday in August, but his company was short staffed. (So he couldn't go)
• Petra was going to start her course in London in September, but her visa didn't come through.
• They were going to book a cabin for the summer, but decided to go camping instead.

Notes for use of was / were going to :

We often use this form to apologize for not doing something and give a reason why.

• Sorry, I was going to phone you, but my mobile battery died.