I was going to kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was going to kill" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in a context where someone is expressing an intention or a thought about a violent action, often in a hypothetical or narrative situation. Example: "In the heat of the moment, I was going to kill the idea of giving up, but I decided to push through instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"I was going to kill myself".

The New Yorker

I was going to kill him.

The Guardian - Books

"I thought I was going to kill everybody," she said.

The New York Times

"I was going to kill my producers" Mr. Sabato said.

The New York Times

"People told Larry that I was going to kill him.

The Guardian - Music

"I was feeling like I was going to kill myself every day".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

I'm going to kill Mr. Eastwood.

The New York Times

I'm going to kill you".

The New York Times

I am going to kill him myself.

Independent

And I'm going to kill you".

The New York Times

I'm going to kill them!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was going to kill", consider the context to ensure it does not promote violence or incite harm. Use it thoughtfully in storytelling or discussions about past feelings, without normalizing violent thoughts.

Common error

Avoid using "I was going to kill" in casual conversation without proper context, as it can be easily misinterpreted as a genuine threat. Ensure clarity by providing background information or explaining that it was a fleeting thought or a hyperbolic expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was going to kill" functions primarily as a declarative statement expressing a past intention. It combines a subject ("I"), a past continuous verb ("was going to"), and an infinitive verb ("kill") to convey an action that was contemplated but not necessarily carried out. This is supported by Ludwig AI who states the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written english.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was going to kill" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to convey a past intention or feeling, often within narrative or reflective contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and practical usage. While its frequency is notable in News & Media, care should be taken to avoid misinterpretations or casual usage that might cause alarm. Alternatives such as "I intended to murder" or "I contemplated murder" can offer nuanced options depending on the specific intent. When wielding this phrase, mindfulness of context is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was on the verge of killing

Indicates being very close to carrying out the act of killing.

I intended to murder

Emphasizes the intent behind the action of killing.

I nearly committed murder

Highlights how close one was to acting and the gravity of the act.

I planned to assassinate

Suggests a premeditated and calculated act of killing, often targeting a specific individual.

I contemplated murder

Highlights the act of thinking deeply about committing murder.

I had the urge to kill

Focuses on the sudden and intense desire to kill.

I considered ending his life

A more euphemistic way of expressing the thought of killing someone.

I thought about taking a life

A more general way of expressing the thought of ending someone's life.

I felt like destroying him

Emphasizes the emotional state and the desire to inflict harm, not necessarily physical.

I entertained the idea of killing

Suggests a fleeting or less serious consideration of killing.

FAQs

What does "I was going to kill" mean?

The phrase "I was going to kill" expresses a past intention or a strong feeling of wanting to harm someone or something. It often implies that the action was not carried out.

When is it appropriate to use "I was going to kill"?

It's appropriate to use "I was going to kill" in narrative contexts, such as storytelling or when reflecting on past emotions. However, avoid using it casually as it can be misconstrued as a real threat.

What can I say instead of "I was going to kill"?

You can use alternatives like "I intended to murder", "I contemplated murder", or "I considered ending his life" depending on the context.

Is "I was going to kill" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was going to kill" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard past continuous tense structure to express an intention that was considered but not fulfilled.