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I was going to buy this. vs I meant to buy this.

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I was going to buy this.' implies that the speaker had the intention to buy something but did not do it for some reason. 'I meant to buy this.' suggests that the speaker had the intention or plan to buy something, but it may not have happened yet.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 3007 views

I was going to buy this.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express the intention or plan to buy something that did not happen for some reason.

Examples:

  • I was going to buy this dress, but it was too expensive.
  • She was going to buy a new phone, but she changed her mind.
  • They were going to buy a car, but they decided to wait.
  • He was going to buy a gift for his friend, but he forgot.
  • We were going to buy tickets for the concert, but it got canceled.

Alternatives:

  • I planned to buy this.
  • I intended to buy this.
  • I was going to purchase this.
  • I was thinking of buying this.
  • I was considering buying this.

I meant to buy this.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker had the intention or plan to buy something, but it may not have happened yet.

Examples:

  • I meant to buy this book, but I forgot.
  • She meant to buy groceries, but she got busy.
  • They meant to buy a gift, but they ran out of time.
  • He meant to buy a new laptop, but he hasn't done it yet.
  • We meant to buy a new house, but we're still looking.

Alternatives:

  • I intended to buy this.
  • I planned to buy this.
  • I was going to buy this.
  • I was thinking of buying this.
  • I was considering buying this.

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