N3151/219

Verb[volitional] + としたが

Verb[volitional] + としたが

Meanings

Tried to do ~, but ~
Was about to do ~, but ~
Was going to do ~ but something happened

About this pattern

Explanation

This pattern shows that the speaker had the intention or was about to perform a verb in the volitional form, but something prevented them or changed the course of events. It emphasizes the attempt or plan that was not carried through, often due to a complication or unexpected circumstance.

Learn in context

Example sentences

出かけようとしたが、雨が降ってきた。

I was about to go out, but it started raining.

言おうとしたが、言えずに黙ってしまった。

I tried to say it, but I couldn’t manage to say it and fell silent.

電話しようとしたが、相手が出なかった。

I was going to call, but the other person didn’t answer.

約束しようとしたが、急用ができてキャンセルした。

I was going to keep the promise, but an emergency came up and I canceled.

Related patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

Quick links

More N3 patterns All patterns

Keep studying

More N3 patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

while; during; between; in the period of

During the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens

ないうちに

before it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...