Learn · Sentences Compound Sentences
He wanted to join the meeting, but he had a prior commitment.
B2Sentence
He wanted to join the meeting, but he had a prior commitment.
Study notes
How to use in different contexts
Giving Advice
It's important to prioritize commitments; if you have a prior engagement, politely decline the meeting.
Describing Habits
He usually attends meetings, but sometimes prior commitments prevent his attendance.
Asking About Others
Did you have a conflict that prevented you from joining the meeting?
Sharing Hypotheticals
If he hadn't had that prior commitment, he would have joined the meeting.
Rephrased versions
Formal
He desired to participate in the meeting; however, a pre-existing obligation precluded his attendance.
Casual
He wanted to be at the meeting, but something else came up.
Simpler English
He wished to go to the meeting, but he was busy.
Phrases to learn
prior commitment
A previously scheduled or promised engagement.
join the meeting
To participate in a meeting.