were going to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'were going to be' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to something that was likely to happen but did not. For example: "We had planned to spend the day at the beach, but the weather forecast said it was going to rain so we were going to be stuck inside instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

None were going to be miraculous.

The New Yorker

Even devils were going to be pardoned.

The New Yorker

Things were going to be great now.

The New York Times

We were going to be rammed.

The New Yorker

We were going to be O.K.

The New York Times

We were going to be together".

The Guardian

The graphics were going to be inferior.

The New York Times - Arts

His were going to be the best.

The New York Times

There were going to be Champagne grapes.

The New York Times

"Twenty-five people were going to be there.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There are going to be".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were going to be", ensure the context provides sufficient information about why the intended outcome did or did not occur. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "were going to be" interchangeably with phrases like "were to be" or "would be" without considering the subtle differences in meaning. "Were to be" often implies obligation or arrangement, while "would be" suggests a hypothetical scenario. Selecting the wrong phrase can alter the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were going to be" functions as a past progressive form of the verb 'to be' indicating an action or state that was expected or intended to occur in the future from a past perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were going to be" is a versatile phrase used to express intentions, expectations, or plans that were set in the past but not necessarily fulfilled. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts such as News & Media and Scientific publications. Remember to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to ensure clarity, and consider subtle differences when choosing between it and related phrases like "were supposed to be" or "would be". Avoiding common errors and utilizing best practices will enhance your writing and ensure accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were about to be

Indicates an imminent event in the past that was on the verge of happening. It suggests a higher degree of immediacy compared to "were going to be".

were scheduled to be

Implies a planned event or arrangement that was set to occur at a specific time. This adds a layer of formality and pre-planning not necessarily present in "were going to be".

were intended to be

Focuses on the purpose or aim behind an action or plan, emphasizing the intent rather than the likelihood of occurrence. This alternative underscores the original aim.

were meant to be

Suggests a sense of destiny or predetermination. It can also imply a sense of disappointment if the intended outcome did not materialize.

were supposed to be

Implies an obligation or expectation that may or may not have been fulfilled. This carries a slightly weaker connotation of intention compared to "were going to be".

were destined to be

Highlights an inevitable outcome, suggesting a belief in fate or a predetermined course of events. Adds a sense of inevitability.

would be

Expresses a future possibility or hypothetical situation in the past. It's less direct than "were going to be" and can indicate uncertainty.

were planning to be

Emphasizes the planning stage of an event or activity, highlighting the deliberate intention behind the action. Adds focus on the planning aspect.

were hoping to be

Indicates a desire or wish for something to happen, suggesting a level of uncertainty or a lack of control over the outcome. Shows more desire than expectation.

were anticipating being

Implies an expectation based on some confidence but not a certainty. Focus is on anticipating the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "were going to be" in a sentence?

Use "were going to be" to describe a plan or intention from the past that didn't necessarily happen. For example, "We "were going to be" late for lunch."

What's a more formal alternative to "were going to be"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "were scheduled to be" or "were intended to be" depending on the specific context. This adds a layer of planning or purpose that might be appropriate for certain situations.

How does "were going to be" differ from "would be"?

"Were going to be" suggests a firm intention or plan, whereas "would be" often implies a hypothetical situation or a less certain future event. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is "was going to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, but the subject should be singular to match the verb "was". "Were going to be" is used with plural subjects. For example, "I was going to be a journalist", or "They "were going to be" terrific parents."