I was going to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was going to write" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an intention or plan to write something in the past that may not have been fulfilled. Example: "I was going to write a letter to my friend, but I got too busy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've discarded an essay i was going to write on the joys of solitude.

Huffington Post

I was going to write novels".

The Guardian - Books

I was going to write her again but didn't.

The New York Times

'I was going to write a punk rock detective novel.

The Guardian

"I was just determined I was going to write it.

The Guardian - Music

I had no idea what I was going to write.

The Guardian - Books

I was going to write about semolina gnocchi.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I just knew I was going to write one day.

The Guardian - Books

I was going to write "neighbor" instead of "neither," why was that?

The New Yorker

I recently e-mailed to tell him I was going to write about the blog.

The New York Times

I was going to write that song, but someone beat me to it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was going to write" when you want to explain a change of plans or direction in your writing. For example, "I was going to write about climate change, but I decided to focus on pollution instead."

Common error

Avoid using "I was going to have it written" when you mean "I was going to write it". The passive construction adds unnecessary words and can make your writing sound less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was going to write" functions as a statement of a past intention or plan to create written content. It typically sets up an expectation that is then either fulfilled or left unfulfilled, providing context for a subsequent action or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was going to write" is a common and correct way to express a past intention or plan to write something, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is predominantly used in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it clearly indicates a prior decision and provides context for any subsequent actions or explanations. Alternatives like "I intended to write" or "I planned to write" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid unnecessary passive constructions for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I intended to write

Emphasizes the intention to write, but may not necessarily imply a plan or action.

I planned to write

Highlights the planning aspect of writing something.

I had intended to write

Similar to "I intended to write" but adds a sense of regret or unfulfilled intention.

I had planned to write

Similar to "I planned to write" but with an added emphasis on the plan being made earlier.

I meant to write

Highlights the intention but possibly implies negligence or failure to act on it.

I was planning on writing

Informal way to describe the intention of writing.

My intention was to write

States the intention in a more formal, declarative manner.

I considered writing

Expresses a weaker intention, suggesting that the writing was only a possibility.

I thought about writing

Even weaker than "I considered writing", suggesting a fleeting thought.

I purposed to write

A more formal or archaic way of saying "I intended to write".

FAQs

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

You can use "I was going to write" to describe a past plan or intention to write something. For example, "I was going to write a letter, but I ran out of time", or "I was going to write a blog post, but then something else came up".

What's the difference between "I was going to write" and "I intended to write"?

While both phrases convey a past intention to write, "I was going to write" suggests a more concrete plan, while "I intended to write" indicates a general intention that may not have been fully formed.

What are some alternatives to "I was going to write"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I planned to write", "I intended to write", "I meant to write", or "I considered writing".

Is it correct to say "I was going to have written" instead of "I was going to write"?

While "I was going to have written" is grammatically correct, it is less common and can sound awkward. It's generally better to use the simpler phrase "I was going to write".