Was/Were To Have Been: What Does This Structure Mean?

The structure “was/were to have been” might seem tricky, but it’s useful when we need to talk about something that was supposed to happen in the past but didn’t. This phrase is often used to express unfulfilled plans, expectations, or intentions from a past point of view.

In this article, we’ll break down this structure, explain when and how to use it, and show you examples of different verbs following this pattern.

1. What Does “Was/Were To Have Been” Mean?

“Was/were to have been” is used when we refer to a past expectation or intention that did not happen. It reflects something that was planned but never materialized.

Structure:

Subject + was/were + to have + past participle

Examples:

The meeting was to have been held yesterday, but it was canceled.
The event was to have been an important milestone, but it never happened.

In both examples, there was an expectation that something would take place, but the outcome was different.

2. Using Other Verbs with “Was/Were To Have + Past Participle”

This structure can be used with other verbs in place of “been” to express similar ideas about plans or expectations that were unfulfilled.

a. Was/Were To Have Gone

Examples:

We were to have gone on a trip last summer, but we had to cancel it.
He was to have gone to the wedding, but he fell sick.

Here, the structure indicates that plans for traveling or attending an event were made but not realized.

b. Was/Were To Have Met

Examples:

I was to have met my friend yesterday, but she couldn’t make it.
They were to have met at the conference, but the event was postponed.

This form shows that there was an arrangement to meet, but it didn’t happen.

c. Was/Were To Have Seen

Examples:

She was to have seen the doctor today, but the appointment was rescheduled.
We were to have seen the new movie, but the cinema was closed.

In these cases, the sentence expresses an unfulfilled plan to see someone or something.

**3. The Difference Between Simple Past and “Was/Were To Have + Past Participle”

It’s important to note that this structure is different from the simple past tense. The simple past describes actions that actually happened, whereas “was/were to have + past participle” reflects on plans that didn’t happen.

Examples:

Simple Past: He met his colleague for lunch yesterday. (The meeting happened.)
Was/Were To Have + Past Participle: He was to have met his colleague, but it was canceled. (The meeting was planned but didn’t happen.)

**4. Why Use “Was/Were To Have + Past Participle”?

This structure is used to discuss missed opportunities, canceled plans, or expectations that weren’t met. It adds a formal or reflective tone when talking about past situations that didn’t unfold as expected.

Examples:

The trip was to have taken place in July, but it was delayed.
The contract was to have been signed last week, but negotiations fell through.

This form emphasizes what was supposed to happen but didn’t.

5. Was/Were To Have Been: What Does This Structure Mean?

“Was/Were to have + past participle” describes plans or expectations in the past that didn’t happen. It’s used with various verbs to express unfulfilled actions. The structure reflects intentions or arrangements that ultimately didn’t materialize.