-ㄴ/는다는 것이

How to use it

Clause 1 is what the speaker intended; clause 2 is the mistake that actually happened. Clause 2 is past, often with -아/어 버리다.

Forming it

Used for mistakes, not for a change of plan; for 'was going to … but changed my mind' use -(으)려다가.

Examples

• 소금을 넣는다는 것이 설탕을 넣어 버렸어요.

  I meant to add salt, but I put in sugar.

• 친구한테 보낸다는 게 엄마한테 문자를 보냈어요.

  I meant to send it to my friend, but I texted my mom.

Compared with similar patterns

-(으)려다(가) means an intention was stopped or changed; -ㄴ/는다는 것이 means the action happened but wrongly.

Related patterns

• -(으)려다(가) was going to … but (changed plans / something happened)