We talked previously about using the future in the past with be (in the past) + going to + infinitive verb to indicate a plan, prediction or expectation from a past perspective.
- The captain was going to perform the flight, but he felt sick and had to stay at home.
However, there is a second form which is possible in certain circumstances. We can use would + infinitive OR be (in the past) + going to + infinitive verb when we talk about situations that are promises to do something or help somebody (from a past perspective).
- He told me he would meet us one hour before the flight.
- He told me he was going to meet us one hour before the flight.
These two examples both indicate a promise. In this situation the two structures give us the same meaning, however, when we talk about a plan, prediction or expectation from a past perspective we can only use be (in the past) + going to + infinitive verb.
So; after arriving at the hotel I was going to have lunch is correct (a plan), but after arriving at the hotel I would have lunch is not correct.
Now try to write some examples of your own.
Follow us on Twitter here and Facebook here for more great content!