Intermediate120 min

Past plans and intentions

Lesson content
We use the following phrases and past verb forms to talk about past plans or intentions which changed and didn’t come true.

Compare:

I had arranged to meet Stefan after the show, and we went for a meal together. (I had a plan, and it didn’t change.)
I was planning to meet Stefan after the show, but I was too tired, so I went straight home. (I had a plan, but it changed.)


Forms followed by the infinitive

We can use I was meant to … , I was supposed to … , I was going to … , I was planning to … , I was hoping to … , I was expecting to … + infinitive without to. The plural form uses were
instead of was.
We were meant to meet in the park, but it was raining, so we met in a café instead.
I was supposed to call her to arrange an
appointment, but I forgot.
I was going to study law, but I switched to history instead.
He was planning to meet us at the venue,
but his car broke down.
Martina was hoping to study physics at
university, but her grades weren’t good
enough.
Raj was expecting to join his father’s
company, but his father took on someone
else instead.


Forms followed by the -ing form

We can use I was thinking of ... , I was considering … and I was planning on … + -ing form. The plural form uses were instead of was.
I was thinking of applying for that job, but I didn’t think I had the right qualifications.
She was considering switching careers, but she changed her mind.
They were planning on staying in a hotel,
but they found a holiday cottage instead.


Notice the difference in form between:

I was planning to meet some friends.
I was planning on meeting some friends.

Quiz

Question 1 of 10

Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence: I ___ call you yesterday, but I forgot.

was going to
intend to
will

Work and careers: areas of work

Work and careers are important parts of adult life for most people, often shaping not only how we spend our days, but also our sense of identity, community, and purpose. As people choose different career paths, they enter a wide variety of work environments, each with its own culture, expectations, and specialized language.

There are many sectors in the world of work. Some of the most common areas include healthcare, education, business and finance, technology, hospitality and tourism, government and public service, engineering, the arts, and manual trades. Each sector offers a unique set of opportunities, challenges, and required qualifications.

Healthcare is a rapidly growing field that includes jobs like doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, and therapists. People working in healthcare often use formal, precise language because clear communication is essential for patient safety. They regularly describe symptoms, treatments, and procedures in detail, and they also need to be sensitive and empathetic when talking to patients and their families.

Education is another major area of work, and includes not only teachers and professors, but also administrators, counselors, librarians, and educational technologists. Effective communication in education means using clear instructions, checking understanding, and encouraging learners. Phrases like “Let’s recap what we’ve learned,” or “Can anyone give an example?” are commonly used.

Business and finance can include a wide range of jobs such as accountants, managers, HR specialists, marketers, and financial analysts. In this sector, professional and formal language is especially important, especially during meetings, presentations, and negotiations. Workers often refer to objectives, targets, budgets, and deadlines.

Technology is a modern and evolving sector, covering roles like software developer, IT support specialist, data analyst, and network administrator. People in technology need to explain complex ideas simply, often working with both technical experts and users who may not have much background knowledge. Clear, jargon-free communication is valued.

Hospitality and tourism offer jobs in hotels, restaurants, travel companies, and tourist attractions. In these sectors, employees such as hotel receptionists, chefs, and tour guides need polite and friendly language. They often give information, answer questions, and handle complaints. It’s important to use diplomatic language like “May I suggest…?” or “I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

Government and public service professionals include postal workers, police officers, civil servants, and social workers. These jobs require both formal language and an ability to adapt to the needs of the public, especially when dealing with sensitive issues or complaints.

Engineering is a broad area, with roles in civil, mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering. Communication here is often specific and technical. Engineers write and interpret reports, blueprints, and instructions, and frequently work in teams to solve problems.

The arts sector includes jobs such as musicians, actors, dancers, painters, writers, and designers. In this creative sector, people need to present and explain their work, often expressing opinions or discussing inspiration. The language used can be both descriptive and persuasive.

Manual trades include carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and construction workers. These roles are essential to society and often involve practical, hands-on skills. Communication in these industries focuses on clear instructions, safety, and teamwork.

Appropriate language depends greatly on the context. In a job interview, formal and confident language is important: “I am eager to contribute to your company’s success.” With colleagues, a more informal and friendly tone is common: “Let me know if you need any help.” When dealing with customers or clients, politeness and flexibility are key: “How can I assist you today?”

In conclusion, work and careers cover a broad range of sectors and specializations. Each area has its own expectations for behavior and language, but all require effective and appropriate communication.
Promotion - When an employee is given a higher position or rank in a company.
Job satisfaction - The feeling of happiness or contentment someone has about their work.
Work-life balance - The way a person manages time between their job and personal life.
Deadline - The latest time or date by which something should be completed.
Teamwork - Working together with others to achieve common goals.
Training - The process of learning the skills needed for a particular job.
Qualification - An official record showing that someone has completed a course or passed an exam.
Internship - A temporary job, usually for students or recent graduates, to gain work experience.
Freelance - Working independently, often for multiple companies, without long-term contracts.
Contract - A legal agreement between an employee and employer.
Salary - The money paid regularly to an employee for their work.
Application - The process of formally asking for a job.
Experience - The knowledge or skill gained from working in a particular job.
Responsibility - Duties or tasks that someone is expected to perform at work.
Career path - The series of jobs and positions someone takes during their working life.
Employer - A person or company that hires employees.
Employee - A person who works for an employer.
Colleague - A person someone works with.
Position - A specific job or role within a company.
Resign - To leave a job voluntarily.
Retire - To stop working after reaching a certain age.
Recruiter - A person who finds and hires new employees.
Performance review - A meeting to discuss an employee’s work performance.
Leadership - The ability to guide and motivate a team.
Skills - Abilities or expertise needed to perform a job.
Motivation - The reason or desire to do something.
Work environment - The setting and conditions in which someone works.
Part-time - Working fewer hours than a full-time job.
Full-time - Working the standard number of hours for a job.
Overtime - Working extra hours beyond the regular schedule.
Benefits - Additional advantages of a job such as health insurance or paid leave.
Job security - The likelihood of keeping a job for a long time.

Useful Phrases for Discussing Work and Careers:

I am interested in a career in... (to express interest in a field).
I am looking forward to starting my new job. (anticipating a new role).
I am considering changing my career. (thinking about a career change).
My responsibilities include... (describing job duties).
I have experience in... (talking about past work).
I am currently training to become... (talking about learning new skills).
I hope to be promoted soon. (expressing career goals).
I am responsible for... (talking about tasks).
I work as a... (stating job title).
I am looking for a job in... (discussing job search).
I have been working at... for several years. (talking about job history).
I enjoy my work because... (expressing job satisfaction).
The work environment is... (describing workplace conditions).
I find it challenging when... (talking about difficulties).
I would like to improve my skills in... (expressing learning goals).
I prefer part-time/full-time work. (discussing work hours).
I am on a temporary contract. (talking about job status).
I am self-employed/working freelance. (describing employment type).
I am in the process of applying for... (discussing job applications).
Discuss the different areas of work you know or are interested in.

1. What are some common areas of work in your country or community?
2. Which area of work do you find most interesting and why?
3. What skills or qualifications are important for jobs in these areas?
4. Can you describe a typical day at work for someone in one of these careers?
5. How do work environments differ between various sectors?
6. What are some challenges people might face in different careers?
7. How important is work-life balance in choosing a career?
8. Have you or anyone you know changed careers? Why?
9. What advice would you give someone starting their career?
10. What are your future career plans and goals?

🔗 Connected Speech: Intrusive /w/ Sounds

What are Intrusive /w/ Sounds?
Intrusive /w/ sounds are extra consonant sounds that English speakers naturally insert between words to make speech flow smoothly. When one word ends with certain vowel sounds and the next word begins with any vowel, we add a /w/ sound to connect them.

Key Rule: When a word ends with /uː/, /oʊ/, /aʊ/ and the next word starts with any vowel, add a /w/ sound between them.

🎯 WHEN TO ADD INTRUSIVE /w/
Vowel Sounds That Trigger Intrusive /w/:
1. Words Ending in /uː/ (oo sound)

"too" /tuː/ → "too often" /tuːwɒfən/
"blue" /bluː/ → "blue eyes" /bluːwaɪz/
"new" /nuː/ → "new idea" /nuːwaɪˈdɪə/
"true" /truː/ → "true or false" /truːwɔː fɔːls/

2. Words Ending in /oʊ/ (o sound - American) or /əʊ/ (British)

"go" /goʊ/ → "go away" /goʊwəˈweɪ/
"so" /soʊ/ → "so exciting" /soʊwɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/
"no" /noʊ/ → "no idea" /noʊwaɪˈdɪə/
"know" /noʊ/ → "know about" /noʊwəˈbaʊt/

3. Words Ending in /aʊ/ (ow sound)

"how" /haʊ/ → "how often" /haʊwɒfən/
"now" /naʊ/ → "now and then" /naʊwænd ðen/
"allow" /əˈlaʊ/ → "allow entry" /əˈlaʊwentri/
"cow" /kaʊ/ → "cow eating" /kaʊwiːtɪŋ/

📝 DETAILED EXAMPLES BY WORD TYPE
Common Function Words with Intrusive /w/
"To" + Vowel Sounds:

"to ask" → /tuːwæsk/
"to eat" → /tuːwiːt/
"to open" → /tuːwoʊpən/
"to understand" → /tuːwʌndərˈstænd/

"Do" + Vowel Sounds:

"do it" → /duːwɪt/
"do anything" → /duːweniθɪŋ/
"do everyone" → /duːwevriˌwʌn/

"You" + Vowel Sounds:

"you are" → /juːwɑː/
"you and I" → /juːwænd aɪ/
"you know" → /juːwnoʊ/ (but this becomes /juːnoʊ/ in fast speech)

Content Words with Intrusive /w/
Adjectives:

"new apartment" → /nuːwəˈpɑːtmənt/
"blue ocean" → /bluːwoʊʃən/
"true answer" → /truːwænsər/

Verbs:

"grew up" → /gruːwʌp/
"threw away" → /θruːwəˈweɪ/
"flow easily" → /floʊwiːzəli/

Nouns:

"shoe on" → /ʃuːwɒn/
"cow in" → /kaʊwɪn/
"row of" → /roʊwʌv/

🎵 PHONETIC ANALYSIS
Why /w/ is Added:
The /w/ sound shares features with the preceding vowels:

/uː/ + /w/: Both involve lip rounding and back tongue position
/oʊ/ + /w/: Both use lip rounding and gliding movement
/aʊ/ + /w/: The vowel ends with a /w/-like sound anyway

Acoustic Similarity:

The /w/ sound is the consonantal equivalent of these vowels
It provides a smooth transition between words. It maintains the articulatory position from the first vowel.

Regional Variations:

American English: More likely to use intrusive /w/
British English: Also uses intrusive /w/, but may be less noticeable
Some accents: May use intrusive /w/ more prominently

Style Variations:

Casual conversation: Maximum use of intrusive /w/
Formal speech: Reduced use of intrusive sounds
Reading aloud: May avoid intrusive sounds for clarity
News broadcasting: Mixed usage depending on speed.