ANCHORING

Read the following text and try to guess the meaning of the new words and phrases from the context

Ships may anchor either in the open roadstead or in the inner harbour. To bring the ship to anchor, it is necessary to slacken speed and stop the engine at the proper time. Both anchors must be ready to let go. The ship may ride to one or two anchors. If there is a strong wind, it is necessary to bring her head up into the wind. In case there is a strong tidal stream or current the ship should be stem on to the current. When the ship is near her intended place, she is given a little sternway with the engine (if there is no wind or current) and one anchor is dropped, then the anchor chain is paid out, and, if necessary, the other anchor is let go. When the chain is brought up, that is when the vessel has come to rest in water, the brake is set as tight as possible.

The scope of chain to be paid out depends on many factors, such as the size of the ship, the weather and tide conditions, the quality of the holding ground. It is the captain or the officer of the watch (OOW) who must determine how much of chain is to be paid out in each case. Usually, a length of chain equal to about five times the depth of water is sufficient.

When the ship has been anchored, the watch officer takes the anchorage bearings. He also sees that the soundings are taken at the anchorage and enters into the log book both the bearings and soundings. Then he marks the ships position on the chart.

When the vessel is at anchor at night one or more men are posted on anchor watch. It is their duty under the officer of the watch to see to the security of the ship, to see that there is sufficient room for the vessel to swing with the tide without striking another vessel.

2.Role-play the following dialogues and then work out and perform dialogues of your own.

2.1. Dialogue 1

P = Pilot; C = Captain

P: In an hours time we will approach the port. As its ebb time now we shall have to wait for the tide in the outer roadstead. The depths in the entrance to port are not sufficient for our draft.

C: How long shall we wait for the tide?

P: We will have to wait until sunset.

C: Shall we have to anchor or may we make fast to the mooring buoys there?

P: There are no mooring buoys there; well have to anchor half a mile off-shore.

C: What landmarks will we have there for the anchorage?

P: There is a conspicuous water tower on the coast, which should be kept on bearing 36s and the lighthouse at the port entrance, which should bear 78s.

C. What are the depths at the anchorage?

P: The bottom is quite even; there are no rocks or shoals.

C: What is the nature of the ground there?

P: There is good holding ground; soft mud with few patches of sand.

C: Is there enough room at the anchorage for swinging?

P: Oh, there is plenty of room for several ships.

2.2.Dialogue 2.

P: In half an hour we shall be at the anchorage. Its time to notify the engine room and to get the anchors ready.

C: Thats right. Which anchor are we going to use?

P: Well use the starboard anchor.

C: How much chain shall we need?

P: I think four shackles will do.

C: All right. Ive ordered a deck-hand to start taking soundings.

P: Thats very good. You see that red tower over there? We must steer for that tower till the port lighthouse opens to southward.

C: Well, what then?

P: Then we must alter the course 40s to starboard and steer for the lighthouse till we are a mile off-shore. That is our berth.

C: Oh. I see. The depths are beginning to decrease.

2.3..Dialogue 3.

P: Soon well be underway and proceed into port.

C: Fine! I have already given orders to stand by to weigh anchor. We have just got a radiogram from our agent. He has arranged to berth the ship at Berth No.7.

P: Very good, Sir. This is a very convenient berth.

C: How shall we proceed from here?

P: We shall steer for the port lighthouse, keeping in the green sector of the light till we come to the entrance. Then we shall keep two red leading lights in line till we pass through the entrance. After that we shall keep the bright light ashore in line with the molehead light. This will bring us straight to the wharf.

C: All right, thats clear. Shall we heave the anchor up?

3. VOCABULARY

Words and expressions

Road/roadstead = rada

Berth = dana

To pay out = a fila (parima, lant)

Tidal stream = curent de maree

Current = curent

To let go/cast/drop anchor = a mola, a fundarisi

Anchor is clear of the bottom = ancora s-a smuls de fund

Foul anchor = ancora angajata/agatata

Dragging anchor = ancora care derapeaza

Dredging anchor = ancora care grapeaza

Ebb = reflux

To approach = a se apropia

Off-shore = la larg de coasta

Landmark = reper costier

Anchorage = ancoraj

Bearing = relevment

Entrance = intrare

To shelter = a adaposti

High land = mal, coasta inalta

Bottom = fund

Ground = fund

Good-holding ground= care tine bine

(Un)tenable ground = care tine/nu tine

Deck-hand = marinar de punte

To steer for = a guverna pe

To heave up = a vira, a recupera

To bring the ship to anchor = a aduce nava la ancoraj

To slacken speed = a reduce viteza

To ride/lie/be at anchor = a sta la ancora

The ship rides to one anchor = nava are o singura ancora fundarisita

To bring the ships head up into the wind = a aduce prova in vint

To bring up = a ancora

To drop anchor = a fundarisi ancora

To be stem on to the current = a sta cu prova in vint

To give a ship the sternway with the engine = a deplasa nava inapoi folosind masina

To swing at anchor = a gira la ancora

To weigh anchor = a vira, a ridica ancora

To keep in line = a mentine un aliniament

To alter the course = a schimba de drum

To take bearings on = a lua relevmente la

To make fast = a volta, a se lega la

Mooring buoy = baliza de amarare

Landmark = reper costier

Conspicuous vizibil

Even bottom = fund nivelat, fara asperitati

Shoals = banc de nisip

Soft mud = mil moale

Patches of sand = intinsura, portiuni de nisip

Clay = argila, argilos (despre natura fundului)

Shell= scoica, fund de scoici

Chalk = calcar, fund calcaros

To avoid a sweptm wreck = a evita o epava la o adincime dem

4. Reading comprehension.

4.1. Read the text again and answer the following questions

Where may ships anchor?

Should only one anchor be ready when anchoring?

May the ships ride to one anchor only?

How is the ships head brought up in a strong wind?

How is the ship brought up if there is a strong current?

Are both anchors let go at the same time?

Who is to determine how much of chain should be paid out?

What length of chain is usually sufficient?

What bearings should the watch officer take after anchoring?

What information should he enter into the log book?

Where should the ships position be marked?

Why should a ship have sufficient room at the anchorage?

4.2. Read the dialogues again and answer the following questions.

4.2.1. Dialogue 1.

When should they approach the port according to the pilot?

Why did they have to wait for the tide?

Till what time did they have to wait?

What did the pilot say about the mooring buoys?

What did the pilot say about the landmarks?

On what bearing should they keep the water tower?

What did the pilot say about the nature of the ground?

Was there enough room for swinging?

4.2.2. Dialogue 2.

1. Which anchor were they going to use?

How many shackles of chain were needed?

Who did the captain tell to take soundings?

For what landmark was the captain to steer?

Till what moment was he to steer for the water tower?

How many degrees was he to alter the course when the lighthouse opened?

How far off-shore was that anchorage?

4.2.3. Dialogue 3.

When were they going to get underway?

What orders had the captain given?

What did he say about a radiogramme?

At which berth did the agent arrange for the ship to berth?

Was that berth convenient?

5.Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP)

5.1. Going to anchor

Is/are the anchor(s) ready for dropping? = Este/sunt ancorele gata pentru fundarisire?

We are going to an anchorage = Ne indreptam spre un loc de ancoraj

Have (port/starboard/both) anchor(s) ready. = Pregatiti ancora/ancorele din babord/tribord/ambele.

We will drop ( port/starboard/both) anchor(s) = Vom lasa (fundarisi) ancora/ancorele din babord/tribord/ambele

Putshackles in the water = Lasati ..chei de lant in apa

Put shackles in the pipe. = Lasati chei de lant in nara

Put shackles on deck = Lasatichei de lant pe punte.

Walk back (port/starboard/both) anchor(s) one/one and a half shackle(s) = Filati ancora/ancorele din babord/tribord/ambele o cheie/ o cheie de lant si jumatate.

We will let go ( port/starboard/both) anchor(s)shackle(s) and dredge it/them = Vom mola (fundarisi) ancora/ancorele din babord/tribord/ambele/cu..chei(e) de lant si o/le vom grapa.

Drop port/starboard/both) anchor(s) = Funda ancora/ancorele/ din babord/tribord ambele.

Pay out the cable(s) = Fila lantul/lanturile de ancora

Check the cable (s) = Controleaza lantul/lanturile de ancora

Hold on (port/starboard/both cable(s) = Tine lantul/lanturile de ancora/din babord/tribord/ambele.

How is the cable leading? = Cum intinde lantul o nava?

The cable(s) is/are leading (ahead/astern/to port/to starboard/round the bow up and down) = Lantul/lanturile de ancora intind(e)/inainte/inapoi/spre stinga/dreapta/ dublind prova/ la pic.

Is/are the anchor(s) holding? = Tin(e) ancora/ancorele?

Are you brought up? = Esti ancorat/oprit prin ancorare?

Switch on anchor light(s) = Aprindeti lumina/luminile de ancoraj

Switch off anchor light(s) = Stingeti lumina/luminile de ancoraj

Hoist anchor ball = Arborati bula neagra

Lower anchor ball = Coboriti bula neagra

Check the anchor position by bearings = Verificati pozitia de ancoraj cu relevmente

5.2. Leaving the anchorage

How much cable is out? = Cit lant de ancora este deasupra ancorei?

Stand by to heave up = Pregatiti-va pentru virat

Put the windlass in gear = Cuplati vinciul de ancora.

Heave up the ( port/starboard/both) cable(s) = Virati lantul/lanturile din babord/tribord/ambele

How much weight is on the cable? = Cit este de solicitat/virat lantul de ancora?

Much weight is on the cable= Lantul de ancora este solicitat (virat) mult

Too much weight is on the cable = Lantul de ancora este solicitat (virat prea mult.

No weight is on the cable = Lantul de ancora nu este solicitat (virat).

Stop heaving = Opriti virarea

How many shackles are left to come in ? = Cite chei de lant mai sunt de adus la post?

There is a turn in the cable(s) = Lantul/lanturile prezinta o rasucire

Anchor(s) aweigh/clear of the bottom = Ancora/ancorele s-a/s-au desprins de fund

Anchor(s) is/are clear of the water = Ancora/ancorele este/sunt libera/libere/a/au iesit din apa

Anchor(s) is/are home = Ancora/ancorele este/sunt la post

Anchor(s) is/are foul = Ancora/ancorele este/sunt/agatate/prinsa/prinse

Anchor(s) secured = S-a/s-au asigurat ancora/ancorele la post

6. SMCP in context.

Role play the following anchoring scenario, then imagine and role-play an anchoring scenario of your own.

The Pastoria is approaching the anchorage. The Chief Officer is making preparations for a standing moor. He is on the forecastle head with the carpenter, Grey and other hands.

Chief Officer: Take the covers off the spurling gates and unplug them, Chippy.

Carpenter: Yes, Sir.

Chief Officer: Grey, take the lashings from the cables and ease back the compressors.

Grey: Lashings off. Compressors eased back, Sir.

Chief Officer: Chippy! Put the gipsy of the port anchor in gear and lower the anchor out of the hawse-pipe.

Carpenter: Yes, SirAnchor clear of the hawse-pipe, Sir.

Chief Officer: Good. Same for the starboard anchor now.

Carpenter: Yes, Sir. Starboard anchor clear of the hawse-pipe, Sir.

We are all ready now to make a standing moor. The ship is travelling against the tide towards her intended anchorage. On the bridge the Captain is watching the situation closely. He says to the helmsman:

Captain: You see that white tower one point to starboard, Jenkins?

Jenkins: Yes, Sir.

Captain: Steer for it.

Jenkins: Yes, Sir

Captain: Very well. Stop her.

3^rd.Officer: Stop her, SirEngine stopped, Sir.

Now that the way is off the ship, she is taken away by the tide and begins to come astern. As she does so, the Chief Officer on the forecastle head waits for the Captains signal before giving orders.

Chief Officer: Let go port anchor.

Carpenter: Let go port, Sir.

Chief Officer: One shackletwothree. Check her. Fourfivesix shackles, Sir.

Six shackles of cable have been veered. This now lies in a straight line on the sea bed. The Pastoria has been brought up and the starboard anchor is now let go underfoot.

Chief Officer: Let go starboard anchor.

Carpenter: Let go starboard, Sir.

On the bridge, the Captain will ease the strain on the port anchor by going ahead.

Captain: Dead slow ahead.

3^rd Officer: Dead slow ahead , Sir.

Captain: Keep the white tower ahead, Jenkins.

Jenkins: Ay, ay, Sir.

As the ship begins to move forward, the Chief Officer says:

Chief Officer: Heave in the port cable, Chippy. Grey, slack out the starboard cable, easy.

Carpenter: Heave in port cable.

Grey: Slack out starboard cable.

Chief Officer: Twothree shackles. Avast heaving. Thats enough. Make all fast.

Grey and Carpenter: Ay ,ay, Sir. Make all fast.

6.1. Standard phrases used in the text above:

A standing moor = Ancorare cu doua ancore cu masina oprita.

Spurling gates = nari de ancora

To unplug = A degaja (narile de ancora)

To take the lashings from = A dezarma (lanturile)

To ease back the compressors = A slabi stopele

To put the gipsy/windlass in gear = A cupla vinciul de ancora

Hawse-pipe = Manson al narii de ancora

One point to starboard = Un cart la dreapta

Now that the way is off the ship = Acum, pentru ca nava a fost stopata

Six shackles have been veered = S-au filat sase chei de lant

To ease the strain on the port/starboard anchor = A reduce solicitarea ancorei babord/tribord

Avast heaving = Stop virarea

Make all fast = Volta peste tot

7. Read and study the following excerpts from the Pilot Book related to anchoring. Notice how the vocabulary is used and then discuss what information you can derive from these excerpts. Have in mind the quality and the nature of the holding ground, location of anchorages, recommendations and warnings.

There is anchorage about 2 miles S of the harbour entrance in depths from 5.5 m to 7.3m, stiff blue clay. This anchorage is considerably sheltered and the sea is kept down by The Owers (50 N, 0 W), which acts as a natural breakwater during W and WSW winds.

Small craft awaiting the tide to enter the harbour can anchor nearer the entrance E or W of the leading line according to the wind.

There is anchorage off Shoreham harbour in any convenient depth from 4m, sand over clay and chalk, about 3 cables off the entrance to 9m, sand and shingle with patches of chalk, 2 miles offshore.

The pilots consider the best holding ground, sand and gravel over chalk and clay, is 1 miles off the entrance, in a depth of 7m, with High Lighthouse bearing 000

Good anchorage, in offshore or E winds, can be found in a depth of 7.5m in Seaford Road, 1 miles ESE of the breakwater head, with Beachy Head Old Lighthouse in line with the foot of Seaford Cliff, bearing 109 , and Seaford church, bearing 055

This anchorage is clear of the track of cross-channel ferries to and from Newhaven, and provides good shelter with winds from E by S, through N, to WNW.

Anchorage off Folkstone harbour is much exposed and is only used by vessels waiting for the tide to enter harbour. The best holding ground is in depth from 12m to 18m, clay and sand.

A good berth is with Copt Point in line with Folkstone Breakwater Light, bearing 025 , the latter distant 2 cables.

Vessels anchored 7 cables S of the breakwater have reported dragging their anchors over apparently rocky bottom.

Vessels whose draft permits, proposing to anchor in Outer harbour, must do so within the anchorage area indicated on the chart, which lies parallel with, and between 2 and 3 cables NW of Southern Breakwater. The area has been dredged to a depth of 6.5m.

The W and N corners of the anchorage area are marked by C and D Light-buoys (special) and buoys (special) mark the NW limit.

The area of Outer Harbour NW of the dredged anchorage area is reserved for yachts and pleasure craft. The E limit of this anchorage is marked by three buoys (special).

The holding ground in the anchorage area is fairly good, but caution is advisable during strong winds. Strong gales between SW and W raise considerable scend at about HW, which renders berths alongside Prince of Wales Pier and Easter Arm untenable. In east gales smooth water may be found under the lee of eastern Arm.

Foul area. It is dangerous to navigate or anchor within the foul area in the NE corner of Outer Harbour, indicated on the chart, between Pier B and Castle Jetty.

No vessel shall anchor in the approach to the E or W entrance to the harbour in such a position as to obstruct the free passage of any other vessel through either of these entrances.

No vessels without the permission of the Harbour Master are allowed to anchor in the fairway.

Vessels shall moor or anchor in accordance with the direction of the Harbour Master, and when any such vessels have been moored or anchored, they shall not be moved therefrom without the permission of the Harbour Master except in case of emergency.

Holding ground is not good in parts of The Downs, particularly S of Goodwin Fork Light-buoy (51 ,2N .2E). The best anchor berth on the W side of the charted anchorage for large vessels is in a depth of 12.5m, with South Foreland lighthouse in line with the beacon on the HW line in Oldstairs Bay, bearing 208 , and Deal Castle bearing 290

There is good anchorage farther S, in a depth of 12.5m, with Walmer Castle (51 N, 1 E) bearing about 295 , distant 11 cables.

With NE winds it is better to anchor in Trinity Bay, in a depth of 21m, with Deal Castle bearing 280 , distant 3 miles.

Vessels drawing up to 5m can anchor in The Small Downs, as indicated on the chart, 1 1/4miles NE of Deal Pier. This anchorage is better for small vessels than that in The Downs, as it is more sheltered and the holding ground is better.

Care must be taken to avoid a swept 4.4m wreck, in the SE part of the anchorage area and a 2.6m shoal, 4 cables N of the wreck. This shoal forms part of a small sandwave area extending S from the S end of Brake.

The recommended outer anchorage is within a circle radius 5 cables, centered 12 cables W of Jetee Nord Light, in depths from 10m to 16m (33 to 53ft), sand and shell, bad holding ground. The anchorage is exposed to winds from SW, through N, to NE. the sea rises very rapidly and vessels should only anchor here in fine weather.

The best anchorage is reported to be on the edge of the above area in a depth of 10m (3.3ft), with Jetee Sud light-tower bearing 085 , distant 7 cables.

The mooring of fishing gear within 1000m of Jetee Sud Light-tower is prohibited and anchoring in this area is not advised.

There is anchorage for vessels awaiting the tide to enter harbour in depth from 7m to 9m (23ft to 30ft), mud, off the entrance. This anchorage is only tenable in calm weather, or during winds from between SE and S.

This area lies within a radius of about 1 miles of D1 light-buoy, with depths from 6m to 12m. The bottom is sand and shingle or sand and shells; the holding ground is good.

The anchorage is exposed to winds from W, through N to NE. In bad weather from the W, the swell runs round Point dAilly and breaks on the beach. In bad weather from between NW and NE, the sea is very high at the entrance to the harbour during the out-going tidal stream, and the swell is felt in avant-port.

Prohibited area. Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in the triangular area, indicated on the chart, extending 5 cables from the harbour entrance.

8. GRAMMAR : FUTURE

8.1. Will

8.1.1. Form

will + infinitive without to

contractions : ll= will ; wont = will not

We use will with all persons. We can also use shall instead of will with I and We eg. I/We shall work ( but in every day speech, we normally use contractions Ill and Well.)

8.1.2. Use

We can use will to predict the future

e.g Tomorrow will be another cold day in all parts of the country.

In the future, machines will do many of the jobs that people do today.

Who do you think will win the football match on Sunday?

We wont arrive home before midnight tonight.

When we predict the future, we often use will with the following verbs and expressions:

e.g. I expect theyll be here at around 10 oclock tomorrow morning.

Im sure youll enjoy the film if you go and see it.

We also se will in this way with adverbs of probability, e.g. probably, perhaps, certainly

e.g. Martin will probably phone us this evening.

Perhaps Ill see you tomorrow.

We also use will when we decide to do something at the moment of speaking.

e.g. Would you like something to drink? Oh., thank you. Ill have some orange juice.

Theres someone at the door. Is there? Oh, Ill see who it is.

Im going out shopping. Oh, are you? Ill come with you, then. I need to get some things myself.

8.2. Going to

8.2.1. Form

be+going to+infinitive

e.g. I am going to work

Are you going to work?

I am not going to work.

8.2.2. Use

Sentences with going to connect the future and the present

We use going to to talk about something in the future which we can see as a result of something in the present.

e.g. Look at those black clouds in the sky. Its going to rain. Those people are going to get wet.

Hurry up! Its getting late. Youre going to miss your train.

Look out! That ladder is going to fall

For this reason, sentences with going to are often about the near future.

We also use going to to talk about what we intend to do in the future. We use going to when we have already decided to do something.

e.g. Why have you moved all the furniture out of this room? Im going to clean the carpet

Lynne has just sold her car. Is she going to buy a new one?

8.3. Will and Going to

8.3.1.We use both will and going to in predictions about the future, but there is a difference:

We use will to talk about what we think or believe will happen in the future.

e.g. That boat doesnt look very safe. Itll sink in that heavy sea.

Dont climb that tree. Youll fall and hurt yourself.

We use going to to talk about something in the future which we can see as a result of something in the present.

e.g. Look at that boat! Its going to sink.

Look out! Youre going to fall!

We use both will and going to to talk about what we intend to do, but there is a difference here:

We use will when we decide to do something at the moment of speaking.

e.g. Oh dear! Ive spilt some wine on my jacket. Dont worry. Ill clean it for you.

What shall I do tomorrow? I know! Ill paint the kitchen.

We use going to when we have already decided to do something.

e.g. Why have you moved all the furniture out of this room? Im going to clean the carpet.

Why are you putting on those old clothes? Im going to paint the kitchen.

8.4. Present continuous for the future

We use the present continuous to talk about something that we have already arranged or planned to do in the future.

e.g. What are you doing on Saturday evening? Im meeting Sarah

Sarah is taking an exam on Monday.

Were visiting some friends in Scotland next weekend.

When we use the present continuous in this way, we often give the future time (e.g. on Saturday evening, on Monday, this afternoon, next weekend)

8.4.1. Present continuous and going to

When we talk about things we have already arranged to do or planned to do in the future, we can use the present continuous or going to.

e.g. Im having lunch with Lynne tomorrow.

Im going to have lunch with Lynne tomorrow.

When we make predictions about the future, we can use going to (or will), but not the present continuous.

e.g. Its going to rain tomorrow. (Its raining tomorrow is not possible)

8.5. Present simple for the future

We use the present simple to talk about future events which are part of a fixed timetable or fixed programme.

e.g. What time does the tennis start tomorrow? At 6.15.

Next summer the school holidays begin on July 25^th and end on September 10^th.

The film starts at 7.10 and finishes at 9.00.

What time does your plane leave tomorrow?

We use the present simple in this way when we think of something in the future as a fact, or as an arrangement or plan which cannot change.

8.5.1. Present simple for the future after when, if, etc.

We use the present simple to refer to the future in clauses of time and condition after when while, as soon as, after, before, until, if, unless, as/so long as and provided/providing (that).

Will/wont present simple

Ill buy a newspaper when I go out.

We wont go out until it stops raining.

Well go to the beach if the weather is nice.

Ill go to the party provided you go too.

8.6. Future continuous: will be+-ing

8.6.1. Form

will be+ing

I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they will be working (affirmative)

I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they will not be working(negative)

Will I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they be working ?(interrogative)

This form is sometimes called the future progressive

CONTRACTIONS: ll =will ; wont = will not

We can use shall instead of will with I and We e.g. I/We shall be working(but , in every day speech , we normally use the contractions Ill and Well). The negative of shall is shall not (contraction: shant).

8.6.2. Use

We use will be+-ing to talk about something which will be in progress at a time in the future.

e.g. Ill be having dinner at 7.00.

Dont phone me at 8.00. Ill be doing my homework then.

What will you be doing this time next week?

We also use will be+-ing to talk about things in the future which are already planned, or which are part of a regular routine.

e.g. Ill be driving into town later on. Do you want a lift?

Would you like me to give peter a message for you? Oh, I dont want to trouble you. its no trouble, really. Ill be seeing Peter tomorrow anyway.

We often use will be+-ing as a polite way of asking about someones plans, especially when we want someone to do something for us.

e.g. Will you be going out this morning? Yes, why? Oh, could you get me a newspaper?

Will you be using your camera at the weekend? I wondered if I could borrow it.

When we use will be+-ing form in this way, it often suggests that we do not want to change the other persons plans.

8.7. Future perfect: will have+past participle

8.7.1. Form

will have + past participle

I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they will have finished/gone (affirmative)

I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they will not have finished/gone (negative)

Will I/you/he/she/it/we/you/they have finished/gone? (interrogative)

CONTRACTIONS: ll = will ; wont = will not

We can use shall   instead of will with I and We e.g. I/we shall have finished ( but, in everyday speech, we normally use the contractions Ill and well). The negative of shall is shall not ( contraction: shant),

8.7.2. Use

We can use will have + past participle to talk about something that will be completed by (not later than) a certain time in the future. When we use this structure, we think of a future time and look back from that future time to say that something will be completed.

e.g. Ill have finished dinner by 8.00.

Ill have worked here for a year next September.

8.8. Future in the past: was/were going to

We can use was/were going to + infinitive to say that something was planned for the future at a past time.

e.g. They were going to get married, but in the end they changed their minds

Note that when we use this structure, it often means that the planned future action did not happen.

e.g. I was going to stay at home last night, but I decided to go out instead.

We were going to eat at the Italian restaurant, but it was full, so we ate somewhere else.

9.Grammar-Progress Test

I. Complete the sentences. Use will or going to and the verbs in the box.

Would you like to come to come to the cinema with us? All right. Iyou at 7.00.

Look at those black clouds. It

I cant find my umbrella. Dont worry. Iyou mine.

Have you seen my tennis racket? No. I havent Just a minute. Iin the cupboard.

I cant play chess. Iyou if you like.

Why are you putting on your coat? Ithe dog for a walk.

Why are you selling your house? Wein the country.

Dont go near that dog! Ityou.

Im going to buy Sally a Walkman for her birthday. Shes already got one. Has she? Well, Iher a new sweater.

Have you heard the news? Mrs Greens pregnant again. Sheanother baby.

II. There are mistakes in some of these sentences. Which sentences have mistakes in them?

Were going to see a film this evening.

The weather forecast says its snowing tomorrow.

What are you doing next weekend?

I think England are winning the soccer match tonight.

Im staying at home this evening.

Do you think Sarah is passing her exams this summer?

III. Choose the correct answer-A or B.

Well go for a picnic tomorrow if the weathernice.

A will be B is

2. Simon will get a ticket for the U2 concert, providing heall night.

A will queue B queues

3. If you go to Moscow, youRed Square.

A will see B see

4. Sue will give me some money when she paid.

A will get B gets

5. Ill phone Mike as soon as I any news.

A will hear B hear

6. Unless you work hard, youyour exams.

A will fail B fail

IV. Ken and Kate are going to Paris tomorrow. Here is their timetable for tomorrow morning:

Complete the sentences about Ken and Kate. Put the verbs into the future continuous or future perfect.

At 8.00 they(leave) home and they ---(drive) to the airport.

At 8.00 they (arrive) at the airport and they(check-in).

At 10.15 they(fly) to Paris.

At 11.30 they(arrive) in Paris and they(drive) to their hotel.

At 1.10 they(have) lunch at the hotel.

V. Make sentences with was/were going to

Example:

I/take/the dog for a walk/it/start/to rain

I was going to take the dog for a walk but, it started to rain.

Robert/watch/the film on TV/he/fall asleep

I/visit/you/I/not have/enough time

Sarah/change/some travellers cheques/the bank/be/closed

4. we/go/to the concert/it/be/cancelled

I/finish/work early/my boss/ask/me to work late

my parents/fly to Scotland/they/decide/to go by train

10.Progress test-Answer-key

I.

1. ll meet, 2. s going to rain, 3. ll lend, 4.ll look, 5.ll teach, 6.m going to take, 7. re going to live, 8. ll bite, 9. ll buy, 10.s going to have.

II.

1.Right, 2. its snowing is a mistake, 3.Right.4. are winning is a mistake, 5.Right, 6.is passing is a mistake.

III.

1.B, 2.B, 3.A, 4.B, 5.B, 6.A

IV

1. ll have left, ll be driving, 2. ll have arrived, ll be checking-in, 3. ll be flying, 4. ll have arrived, ll be driving, 5. ll be having,

V.

1. Robert was going to watch the film on TV but he fell asleep.

2. I was going to visit you but I did not have enough time.

3.Sarah was going to change some travellers cheques but the bank was closed.

4.We were going to go to the concert but it was concelled.

5. I was going to finish work early but my boss asked me to work late.

6.My parents were going to fly to Scotland but they decided to go by train.