The phrase "was going to" can be replaced with a variety of synonyms depending on the context of the sentence. For example, "planned to", "intended to", "scheduled to", "aimed to", "wanted to", "meant to", and "was about to" are all suitable alternatives. These phrases add depth and specificity to the sentence, helping the reader understand the speaker's intentions and motivations. By using synonyms, the writer can vary sentence structure and avoid redundancy while still conveying the same meaning. Choosing the right synonym for "was going to" can add nuance and subtlety to any piece of writing.