I was going to replace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was going to replace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a past intention or plan to substitute something or someone. Example: "I was going to replace the old printer with a new one, but I decided to repair it instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I was going to replace the bronzes.

The New Yorker

She'd since gotten married and moved out west, so I wasn't sure how I was going to replace my snapped shade.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And I'm going to replace her".

The New York Times

I'm going to replace it with something other people wouldn't be challenged to live in".

The New York Times - Travel

"I'm going to replace the five-inch ethernet cord from the modem to the router with a three-inch cord".

The New Yorker

Almost fluffy inside, it's definitely sturdy enough to survive dropping down a mine or two, but I think, perhaps heretically, that it lacks a little flavour, so I'm going to replace the shortening with lard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

'I've sold my Japanese car and I'm going to replace my Sony laptop with an IBM,' said He Pei, an American-educated Shanghai woman in her thirties.

The Guardian

You should at least be willing, according to this view, if not to hire them, to say to your own workers, 'If you don't take a pay cut, I'm going to replace you with them.' But one goes around, actually talks to firms, and you'll find that no firm would do that".

The New Yorker

I'm going to replace all my current Sharpies with these immediately!

TechCrunch

Then I concern myself with what I'm going to replace the amalgams with".

Los Angeles Times

I don't want to say I'm going to replace Matt Greene or this guy or that guy.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was going to replace" when describing a past intention or plan that may or may not have been realized. Be clear about what was being replaced and with what it was to be replaced.

Common error

Avoid using "I was going to replaced". The correct form is "I was going to replace", as 'to' requires the base form of the verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was going to replace" functions as part of a clause expressing a past intention or plan. As Ludwig AI highlights, this construction indicates a contemplated action of substituting one thing for another.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was going to replace" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a past intention to substitute something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, though it appears more frequently in news media and general conversation. When writing, it's essential to use the correct tense and be clear about what you intended to replace. While several alternatives exist, such as "I intended to substitute", they carry slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I intended to substitute

Emphasizes a firm intention to replace something.

I planned to exchange

Focuses on the planned action of exchanging one thing for another.

I contemplated substituting

Indicates a more thoughtful consideration of the replacement.

I was aiming to supersede

Suggests the intention to replace something with something superior.

My intention was to supplant

Formal and implies the replacing of something already established.

I had in mind to swap

Implies a more casual or informal plan to replace.

I had the idea to switch out

Indicates a casual approach to the idea of replacing.

I considered changing

Highlights the consideration of replacing, without necessarily implying a firm decision.

I envisioned substituting

Highlights the visualization of replacement.

I thought about switching

Similar to 'considered changing', but more focused on the act of switching.

FAQs

How can I use "I was going to replace" in a sentence?

Use "I was going to replace" to express a past intention to substitute something. For example, "I was going to replace the broken window, but I ran out of time".

What's a more formal way to say "I was going to replace"?

A more formal alternative is "I intended to substitute". For instance, "I "intended to substitute" the outdated equipment with newer models".

What can I say instead of "I was going to replace" to sound more casual?

For a more casual tone, try "I was thinking of swapping". For example, "I was thinking of swapping out the old tires".

Is it correct to say "I was going to replaced" instead of "I was going to replace"?

No, "I was going to replaced" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I was going to replace". After "to", always use the base form of the verb.