We use these form when we are talking about a past situation, for example when we are telling a story. We use the forms to refer forward to later events.
A. Was / Were going to
** We can use was / were going to for a prediction in the past.
- Alice felt so relived. Everything was going to be all right after all.
** We can use was / were going to for an intention in the past.
- I was going to buy some presents, so I took my credit card with me.
Note: Sometimes the intended action does not actually happen.
- The bus pulled away just as we were going to get on it.
B. Would
** We can use 'would' as past form of 'will '. This use can be rather literary.
- George Washington was the first President of nation that would become the richest and most powerful on earth.
- They set off at daybreak. They would reach the camp before nightfall
** We can use 'would not' for unwillingness or a refusal in the past.
- The spokesperson wouldn't answer any questions.
- The car wouldn't start this morning.
C. Was to, Was about to, and Was on the point of
** We can also use be to, be about to, and be on the point of in the past tense.
- The workers were arriving for their last shift. The factory was to close the next day.
- We had to hurry. The bus was about to leave.
- Max was on the point of saying goodbye to everyone when he suddenly noticed and attractive girl looking across the room at him.
Note:
1- We can use 'was to' with the prefect.
- The factory was to have closed the next day, but it was decided to keep it going for another few weeks.
2- Sometimes 'was to' has the same meaning as 'would'
- George Washington was the first president of a nation that was to become the richest and most powerful on earth.
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