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JuanZZZ Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Were going to & were to

In this sentence:

"You were going to go to the movies". I understand that the person had in mind or planned to go to the movies. Something in the past.

But I've seen structures like this one

"You were to go to the movies" (without the "going")

Does this have the same meaning?
  

Top answer

I believe "You were to go to the movies" means "It was expected of you to go to the movies". However since going to the movies is usually a voluntary activity, I think this sentence would not be found very often.

— Eng_teach_in_germany

  • I believe "You were to go to the movies" means "It was expected of you to go to the movies".
  • However since going to the movies is usually a voluntary activity, I think this sentence would not be found very often.
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5 Answers
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I believe "You were to go to the movies" means "It was expected of you to go to the movies". However since going to the movies is usually a voluntary activity, I think this sentence would not be found very often.
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>"You were to go to the movies" (without the "going")

This means it was planned or arranged (planned either by yourself or others, such as your parents)
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My above post is only one interpretation of this sentence.
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"You were to go" =
"You were supposed to go"; "You were expected to go";
"Someone said that you had to go"; "You had an obligation to go"; "It was your duty to go"

CJ
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Thanks Calif Jim, this is what I was thinking of. You confirm my ideas.
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