In this short video lesson, the Ukrainian sentence «Я збиралася написати тобі» (“I was going to text you”) appears in the notebook with a hint: to be going to do smth. Watch the video, then read on for the explanation and a few alternatives.
The phrase: I was going to text you
Be going to + verb means you plan or intend to do something. In the past — was / were going to — it usually describes a plan that didn’t actually happen.
- I was going to text you.I planned to, but I didn’t.
- We were going to call you, but we forgot.A plan that slipped.
- He was going to quit, but he changed his mind.A plan that changed.
Text means sending a message on a phone or messenger. Write to you is also correct, but sounds more like a letter or an email.
And for future plans?
Use the present: I’m going to text you tonight. In speech and casual messages, going to often sounds like gonna: I’m gonna text you. Don’t use gonna in formal writing or exams.
Other ways to say it
- I was about to text you!Right at that moment.
- I meant to text you.It was my intention.
- I was planning to text you.It was part of my plan.
Check yourself
Say it in English, then reveal the answer:
1.Your friend calls just as you pick up the phone to call them.
Answer
I was about to call you!
2.You planned a trip to the sea, but it rained.
Answer
We were going to go to the sea, but it rained.
3.You’ve decided to text someone tomorrow.
Answer
I’m going to text you tomorrow.
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