Future in the past

• We use. was/were going to + infinitive to talk about a planned action in the past that didn’t happen: I’m sorry. I was going to phone you, but I didn’t have time. (= It was my intention to phone you, but I didn’t.)

• We also use was/were going to for a prediction in the past, often after think or know: At last we were safe. Everything was going to be OK. I knew my exams were going to be difficult.

11. Complete the texts. Use was/were going to and the verbs in brackets.

I (0)...... wasn going to go......(go) shopping with a friend yesterday, but then she got ill, so I went by myself. I wanted some trainers, but the ones I liked were too expensive. I knew they (1).............................. (cost) a lot, but I didn’t realise how much! I bought a T-shirt instead. I

(2).............................. (not / get) any clothes, but I couldn’t resist it!

Lucy (3).............................. (meet) me at six, but she didn’t turn up. Kate and Ben picked me up at six thirty. I thought Ben (4).............................. (not come) with us, so I was surprised to see

him. I (5).................................... (not say) anything about the previous weekend, but he asked me. I had to tell him the truth. I thought he (6).............................. (be) angry, but he laughed when I told him what had happened.

12. Complete the conversation. Use will or be going to and the verbs in brackets.

A: I’m sorry you don’t feel well.

B: Thanks. I’m sure I (1).............................. (feel) better soon. I’ve decided to stay in bed

today. I (2).............................. (not do) any work on my essay.

A: (3).............................. (you / come) into college tomorrow?

B: I don't know. I haven’t decided yet.

A: I could give you a lift if you like.

B: Really? That would be great! I don’t think my brother (4).............................. (let) me

borrow his car.

A: I (5).............................. (pick) you up at about eight. OK?

B: Yes, lovely! Thank you very much.

Complete the sentences. Use was/ were going to, the future continuous or the future perfect of the verbs in brackets.

6 Come and join us in the park later. We.............................. (play) volleyball near the little lake.

7 Let’s go to the beach at six. Most people.............................. (go) home by then.

8 That was horrible! I thought that car.............................. (hit) us!

9 Could I talk to you tonight at nine or.......................................... (you / get) ready for your trip?

10 Don’t worry! We.............................. (not eat) everything by the time you get here!