B2–C1 · GFI · GFI010

Subject + meant to + infinitive, but + explanation

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Gerund contrasts and participial clauses”. Compare how English and German express gerund contrasts and participial clauses. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

Structure

EN · EnglishSubject + meant to + infinitive, but + explanation

DE · GermanSubject + wollten eigentlich + infinitive, aber + explanation

Anchor phrase

RU · Translation

Я собирался ответить вчера, но день пролетел незаметно.

EN · English

I meant to reply yesterday, but the day got away from me.

DE · German

Ich wollte eigentlich gestern antworten, aber der Tag verging wie im Flug.

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RU · Translation
Она собиралась принести чек, но оставила его дома.
EN · English
She meant to bring the receipt, but left it at home.
DE · German
Sie wollte eigentlich den Beleg mitbringen, ließ ihn aber zu Hause.
RU · Translation
Мы собирались забронировать раньше, но не согласовали дату.
EN · English
We meant to book earlier, but had not agreed on a date.
DE · German
Wir wollten eigentlich früher buchen, hatten uns aber noch nicht auf einen Termin geeinigt.

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns

GFI006Subject + tried to + infinitive, but + obstacle clauseGFI GFI002Remember to + infinitive + contextGFI GFI008Subject + regret(s) to + communication verb + that-clauseGFI GFI004Subject + stop/stopped + to-infinitive of purposeGFI

03Try variations2 · more examples

Continue with nearby patterns

Try variations2 · more examples