Learn · Sentences Compound Sentences

I wanted to go out for dinner, but I decided to cook at home instead.

B2

Sentence

Narrator

I wanted to go out for dinner, but I decided to cook at home instead.

Study notes

How to use in different contexts

Giving Advice

If you're trying to save money, you might consider cooking at home instead of going out for dinner.

Describing Habits

I usually cook at home, even though I sometimes wish I could go out for dinner.

Asking About Others

Did you go out for dinner, or did you cook at home last night?

Sharing Hypotheticals

I had planned to go out, but if I hadn't cooked at home, I would have spent a lot more money.

Rephrased versions

Formal

I had intended to dine out, but opted to prepare a meal at home instead.

Casual

I was gonna go out to eat, but I decided to cook instead.

Simpler English

I wanted to eat out, but I cooked at home.

Phrases to learn

go out for dinner

To eat dinner at a restaurant.

cook at home

To prepare a meal at one's own residence.