6 ways to talk about a missed situation: "I was going to"

How do you talk about something that you planned to do but didn't? In this lesson, I will teach you six different ways to explain what happened and what went wrong. You will learn to explain, for example, why you were not able to finish your homework on time or why you were late for work. This will be useful to you just about every day, so don't miss this opportunity to add some common phrases to your English! After the video, take the quiz at www.engvid.com/ to test your understanding.
TRANSCRIPT:
Hi. This is Gill at www.engvid.com, and today, we have a lesson which was requested by Karim, who left a comment on our website. So, Karim, I hope you're watching. This is for you. Okay.
So, the subject of the lesson is called: "Missed Situation", which means you were going to do something, but something else happened and it stopped you doing what you wanted to do. So, there are different ways of expressing this in English. So I'm going to show you six different ways of talking about this kind of situation. Okay, so we have the first three examples on the board, so let's have a look.
So: "I was going to go shopping,"-that was my intention. I have planned to go shopping-"but"-and there's always a "but"-"I got a phone call which lasted nearly an hour,"-someone phoned me and I was talking for nearly an hour-"and by the time the call ended"-when I finished the call, a whole hour had gone by-"the shops were all shut." The shops had closed, so that meant I could not go shopping. Okay? So I was going to go shopping, but da-da-lum, and by the time the call ended, the shops were all shut. So my plan to go shopping - I couldn't go. Right? So that's one way: "I was going to, but..." All right?
Another way of saying this is: "I was all set to", I had everything arranged. "I was all set to go on holiday, but then my car broke down,"-something went wrong with my car-"and I had to spend the money on repairs instead." Instead of going on holiday. The money I was going to spend on the holiday, I had to spend that money getting the car repaired. Okay. So, again: "All set to", "I was all set to". Maybe I'd got my suitcase packed, I'd taken time of work, I was ready to go on holiday, but this happened and I had to spend the money on repairs instead. Okay?
Right, and then the third example, this is talking to somebody. You had an intention, but you didn't do it, and that this is the reason why. "I would have called you yesterday,"-I would have phoned you yesterday-"but my phone wasn't working." Okay? So: "I would have", I was wanting to. I would have, but something stopped me - my phone wasn't working.
Okay, so that's three ways of saying what you meant to do and it didn't happen. We'll now move on to another three.
Okay, so our next three examples. "I had every intention of returning the book to the library", I planned to, I was going to. "I had every intention of returning the book to the library", this is a book that you borrow from the library, and if you don't return it by a certain date, they usually charge you a fee for late returning. So: "I had every intention of returning the book to the library last week, but"-"but" again-"I have a friend staying,"-that's a friend staying with me at my home-"and she's been reading it." So because my friend is reading the book, I can't return it yet. Okay? So once she's gone home, I will return it, but not yet. Okay.
Next example: "I had it all arranged to give my friend a surprise party", so I had made the arrangements; I had all the plans, I had invited people on a particular date and at a time. It was all arranged. "I had it all arranged to give my friend a surprise party,"-a party that she didn't know about-"but then she found out"-she discovered, she found out about my plan, she discovered my plan-"and said she didn't want one!" She didn't want a surprise party. Okay? Some people love surprise parties; some people hate them. So, obviously, this person hates surprise parties.
I once had a surprise party which I didn't know about, and it was okay. It was a surprise, obviously, but it was okay. Arranged by my husband. And then a few years later he was trying to arrange another one, but when I discovered that he was doing it, I said: "No, no. I don't want it this time." So if you find out about something, it's possible you don't actually want it. But anyway.

[@engvidGill]

Hi everyone -- thank you for all your kind comments about my first video -- it's great to be here :-) Please keep watching -- there will be more videos from me soon! Best wishes, Gill

[@szhamuraii]

Learn English with Gill (engVid) Thank you very much Gill ! I'm looking forward to your next videos. I'm studying English at an university undergradute level ! Though I'm in first year of collegue and I've got a long way to go, I want to be an English language teacher one day! This lesson is really helpful . (Sorry for my grammar mistakes) Greetings from Argentina, Fabricio

[@مسفرالقحطاني-ظ3ج]

Learn English with Gill (engVid) please miss Gill make a few videos , but very useful like this . It is much better than a lot of videos . Thanks

[@saudobaid7328]

I had every intention of watching your previous episode yesterday, but something came up and I've got to deal with it, by the time I felt dizzy and went to sleep.

[@jeisonalejandromorenocasta6932]

Learn English with Gill (engVid) Hi, Gill!, This an amazin video, you´re a great teacher. Regarding to the video, I have a doubt about every intention, may I use all intention, instead. Thank you very much. :)

[@santiagobula1120]

I love you Gill❤

[@hannesheinz720]

BEST English teacher on youtube!!!

[@elenateslenko3187]

Yes! The best teacher!

[@fernnguyen8046]

I am learning a lot from u Gill. Thanks

[@desertaxe]

The year is 2019, and still watching you! I wish healthy and looooong lives for you!

[@hollihobbi1230]

2022, still here!

[@kaweejay]

I love your accent! I understood every word you've said :)

[@siusiutoe6470]

+kaweeJay official I understood every word you'd said. *

[@kaweejay]

+snowman simon thanks for correcting :)

[@rusulamjed4022]

kaweeJay official yeh she is alovely and very good teacher

[@terfficsibhatu5546]

snowman simon I think he's right too. What she has said.

[@maraserra]

me too

[@virginijatumeniene4470]

Thank You ! You are a great, kind Teacher and hearty, sincere woman.

[@mossabmahmoud9596]

i had every intention of sleeping early today but i have noticed that new video has popped up , so would not have bothered me to watch it as it is i have been more than happy for seeing it , as a matter of fact i have to state very clearly that i am in love with your accent , welcome to my favorite website and thank you for sharing ,i just want to let you that i have enjoyed the lesson a lot and i can not wait for the next one .

[@athulabar1]

Your accent is so clear to comprehend, so please prepare more videos for the interest of viewers. Good Luck!

[@DOliver]

I can't wait to watch other videos!!!

[@Atisha0315]

I just found this video, I think perhaps it’s very good for me. Thank you very much. I hope you are healthy and happy all the time.

[@ehsanwadea2888]

Hi teacher Gill You are great ,you have arare method of teaching that makes every one amazing to listen to you and your quiz is tricky. Thanks alot.

[@corjd4991]

Thanks a lot. You’re brillant as always. Very clear

[@mr.p7437]

You got such a lovely accent, so clearly and easily to understand you.

[@Carecovski1]

Thanks for the tips. We need more vídeos of your classes. You're really out of this world...

[@claudiodariocolazo1128]

Excellent lesson! thank you very much

[@xabier874]

thank you Teacher! I would like to have a lesson with you about the use of " I wish + different structures " in daily situations it is hard for me to make it even more with mixed conditionals. A big hug ! :-) from Argentina

[@joakimmasawe1657]

Thanks Gill for your lesson

[@valquiriafontalva8546]

Thank you for your lessons! You're great! Regards from Brazil!

[@marcosvicente1474]

I love all your videos...thank you for your good lessons.

[@adamh8369]

Thank you Gill, you are wonderful teacher, greetings from Poland

[@anhthuvo5736]

Hello teacher Gill! i am from Viet Nam, i love ur lessons n the way you've teaching us, they r very useful ways in puplic communitions. Thank u so much. God blesses you.☺

[@miyushu2844]

Thank you for the great lesson! You're a great teacher and you're really kind :)

[@shilashilashila2190]

Moakumla

[@mustafaabdirahman7483]

Its very important lesson. Thank you for sharing your time With us.

[@duns37]

Thanks a lot, Gill! I really like your lesson and I expect to continue.

[@AmandaGomesbookgirl]

Hello Gill, I'm learning English yet, but I can understand everything you talk about, I love your lessons, so thank you!

[@agnieszka3980]

pure pleasure learning English with U .Thank you . All the best

[@nielab8192]

Hi Gill, you're a very good teacher and your Videos are really helpful. But I am a Beginner and I still need to learn basics of the language. Can do Videos about it, please? Greetings from Germany!

[@mercedesferrini1287]

You're Amazing!!!! I understand all words!!!

[@pierinasierra39]

Hello Gill, I really love your lessons! thanks for them!!!! I am from Colombia!!!

[@beyzanurhitay7041]

Hey, Gill. You tell all of these very good. I love listening to you. Thank you so much! :)

[@fouedelamri3835]

Good evening Mss Gill i adore your lessons keep doing more interresting lessons

[@lourdes32051]

Great lesson, thanks Gill

[@이희조-o2k]

I am glad to know you . I hope my English will improve. 🤗

[@anurrba]

great explanation! thank you!

[@alnilam6969]

I like your way of teaching English. You make it easier and clearer, thank you so much!!! :-)

[@tinngo8236]

Hi Gill, thank you so much for your video. It is so helpful. The examples are so clear. I really love your voice, which is so sweet, clear-cut and lovely. Wishing you good health so that you can create many more interesting videos for the community./.

[@ngawangchoedon1912]

You are so great Teacher

[@1979imma]

Hello your lesson has been really interesting and useful . thank you very much

[@sbaikarim5979]

imma caputo Add me on skype: karim.sbai7 , i like to make friends

[@metallium08]

love you Gill :) and this is really good topic ! im from Turkey and many turkish friends dont know this.

[@المدون-ع4ل]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH GILL

[@VitaliyKlivak]

Thanks a lot! Very good start!

[@AmerSkottler]

ThankYou soo much You're the best teacher, I really love watching your lessons

[@JuanPabloVivasR]

Nice to see more of British accent here!

[@veraluciagabrahao5153]

Hi Gill, I loved your lessons. Welcome to engVid!!! You are brave as all the other teachers!!!! Kisses...

[@fabiofaria123]

Tks! You are very kind!

[@saleemalsinani3842]

thank you very much for your an important role

[@ronaldbravobravo6060]

I love you. I just found your videos. I think you' re going to help me a lot Thank youuuu!!!!!

[@Souma678]

Welcome Gill and thanks a lot ! very interesting expressions !

[@caturagustinas4033]

Thanks Gill!

[@82shue]

Thank you I enjoyed watching your lesson. Please download more 😀

[@anzoriveshapidze9601]

should use upload :D

[@melkitunisia5602]

thanks Gill, I like your accent and the way you explain examples

[@sanaullahnastoh4312]

and you have a very interesting accent which is very clear .

[@TahiraJan-wt5iz]

I love your accent ❤

[@leparoledisilvia6289]

Thank you for your lessons. Do you speak more slowly than you do usually? Because I understand you.

[@engvidGill]

Hi - I tend to speak quite slowly, as it's so much better for communication, even with native English speakers :-)

[@hzf85073]

THANKS_شکریہ💕..

[@chienluocthanhcongc]

Hi, Gill. When we say, 'If only I'd listened...', does it mean 'If only I had listened', doesn't it? Thanks one more time for the great classes...

[@Alicia-qu7jl]

+Learn Speaking fast 1 month with Bacitikdaithanh this new teacher is so adorable. Welcome, Gill. By the way, you're British, aren't you?

[@alison3758]

+Learn Speaking fast 1 month with Bacitikdaithanh You're such a great teacher :D I'm waiting for the upcoming videos :D

[@siusiutoe6470]

+Learn Speaking fast 1 month with Bacitikdaithanh I'd = I had here

[@giovannafigueiredodasilva7276]

Best teacher 💖💖

[@tarasalah9004]

we love u thanks for help us to learn english

[@mahmoudalkhalaf7222]

Hello Gill, I would like to say (how are you?) Because I know you very well. I had watched all of your Lessons. But I would to ask you a favourite. Could you explain differents between (sound - seem - appear-look) as a verbs, please .and thank you a lot.

[@riteshverma8544]

Thanku mam i am from india the lesson is very useful for me.

[@bombomtilibom]

Thank you, Gill! I would have hugged you, but I'm so far away!

[@قبيلةخفاجةالسالم]

We are pleased with your presence on youtube

[@danielhorder5030]

Could have and should have with past participles can also be used to express missed situations.

[@7Loupgarou]

I´ve loved to listen to you

[@bauxsedai1495]

I didn't know that she made videos for Eng-Vid aswel. Well, I've decided I like her. She looks like such a lovely old lady.

[@lulualmarjany1993]

I want to know about would have, should have, could havd as well as the uses of have has and had. Please make a video above model verb. Thank you. And i love u, your videos are just Awesome.

[@sheikabdulla6965]

Thank you.

[@zulmacardoso]

Great lesson! Thank you. Subscribed.

[@marcoblos6935]

This video is very helpful, thanks Gill! :D

[@MrJadakiss101]

Thanks gill very useful

[@abofares998]

thank you very much

[@lele519284]

Hello teacher Gill, I loved your video =)) Thank you very much!!

[@chabbylai3801]

I hope I can see more lessons soon.

[@denizylmaz2147]

I LOVE YOU YOU HELPED ME A LOT 💙

[@مجروحخلي-ظ4ع]

Thank you

[@kunaviscott]

I already subscribed this channel (or you) are perfect in teaching Thanks

[@vanessarosellopuig8233]

You are muy Hero

[@jennalee9826]

Thanks for good lessons, Gill. I have a question. We learnt some expressions for explaining missed situation. I wonder we can transformed the sentences for the present situation. For example, "I'm all set to go on a holiday." "I have it all arranged to give my friend surprise party." If we change the verbs to present tense, does it mean the present situation?

[@yeslecksghayer6561]

Thanks

[@marmmaram-3342]

Dear Gill, if you can explain the form of tenses used in this sentences the lessons will be more interesting.

[@lwnaALiraq]

I like it. That was awesome but you didn't tell us the tenses of each sentence, would you plz!

[@om-ni]

Dear Gill... thank you. Vegan Hills

[@danielrocha7250]

Excellent

[@borkasiamese4617]

What would you say about this structure: "I WAS to HAVE MET my mother ...". As far as I know, what it says is, "I was to meet my mother, but I did not". Do not people who are native english speakers use such a pattern in appropriate situations? Thanks a lot anyway!

[@engvidGill]

Borka Siamese Hi Borka, thanks for your question -- yes, that construction is fine -- it may be more American than British in style, but most English speakers would understand it :-)

[@borkasiamese4617]

Hi Gill, Thanks for the answer! I really appreciate you having found time to share your thoughts with us! All the best! --Borka

[@abdullahaqeel594]

thank you girl

[@miiomda3265]

wonderful wallah

[@mohamedenouldh.7333]

Hi, Happy to meet you, It's a big deal(your lesson), just, I asked you if we can say in English: (you have elinlightened me) to refer to ; you have helped me to learn a lot, or ?? thank you, you are welcom amonge us ..

[@visni]

Tks

[@safaahafidh6036]

thank you so much I love u

[@butterfly0072]

yor are good teacher

[@philosophyimportation6367]

****************Thank you so much Gill****************** I implore you to make a video on old-fashioned words which are useful when reading an old book, words like : Shalt, whilst, thou, and some other ancient words! :)

[@andamiro2917]

선생님 존경해요

[@learnenglish8136]

Sorry for writing your name incorrectly. l have another question for you, what's the difference between (she's my friend ) and (she's a friend of mine )? would you do a video to explain this? many thanks from Iraq.

[@saurabhsharma6644]

Thanks mam

[@lovelygirl4119]

I love you!

[@aubefelice]

You are beautiful. I love your lesson. Thank you very much!

[@MiraitowaOlympicsfan2005]

RIP :(

[@SocialCreditFarmer]

❤

[@siddeeqtharayil8494]

Can you upload business english classes?

[@engvidGill]

Hi -- you could try some of Rebecca's Business English videos, for example this one: www.engvid.com/business-english-workplace-expressions/ All the best with your studies :-)

[@mehmet.albyrk]

REST IN PEACE 😢 thank you all your efforts and dedication you showed up to now.

[@sawsanSamyEnglish]

thank you