it was gonna be or it would be

[Derby]

I heard a native speaker say "it's a lot harder than I thought it was gonna be", but I've always said "than I thought it would be". Is it different ? Are both forms correct ? Do native speakers often say that ?

 

[probus]

To me both are equally common, equally correct, and identical in meaning. Some native speakers may prefer one or the other, and that may possibly be regional.

 

[Rover_KE]

Welcome to the forum, Derby.

I expect you already know that 'gonna' is non-standard English for 'going to'. It's only acceptable on this forum when you're quoting someone—as you did.

 

[Tdol]

To me both are equally common, equally correct, and identical in meaning. Some native speakers may prefer one or the other, and that may possibly be regional.

Both work in BrE. You'll probably find would used in more formal contexts.