Future in the Past: Mastering Predicted Actions

Understanding the “Future in the Past” is crucial for mastering narrative tenses in English. It allows you to effectively convey what someone thought, said, or believed would happen at a point in the past.

This grammatical concept is essential for storytelling, reporting speech, and creating complex sentences that reflect past predictions, intentions, or expectations. Anyone looking to improve their writing and speaking skills, especially those involved in creative writing, journalism, or academic research, will greatly benefit from understanding this nuanced aspect of English grammar.

Table of Contents

Definition of Future in the Past

The “Future in the Past” is a grammatical construction used to describe a future event from a past point of view. It essentially represents what someone thought, believed, or predicted would happen at a later time, all narrated from a past perspective.

It doesn’t refer to events that actually happened in the future, but rather to expectations or plans that existed in the past regarding a future time. This construction is crucial for reported speech, storytelling, and expressing intentions or predictions within a narrative set in the past.

Understanding the Future in the Past is essential for crafting narratives with depth and accurately conveying the temporal relationships between events.

The Future in the Past is a retrospective viewpoint on what was considered the future at a specific point in the past. This means that the “future” action or event is seen through the lens of a past moment, creating a sense of anticipation, expectation, or even uncertainty within the narrative.

It is not about predicting the actual future, but about representing the future as it was perceived or planned in the past. This distinction is key to understanding and using this grammatical structure correctly.

This grammatical concept helps to add depth and complexity to narratives, allowing writers to explore the characters’ thought processes and perspectives in a more nuanced way.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of the “Future in the Past” generally involves using past forms of modal verbs or auxiliary verbs that typically express future tense. The most common ways to form the Future in the Past include using “would” (the past form of “will”), “was/were going to,” and “was/were to.” These forms are used in conjunction with the base form of the main verb to express the intended future action. The choice of which form to use often depends on the nuance you wish to convey – whether it’s a simple prediction, a firm intention, or a formal arrangement.

Let’s break down the common structures:

  • “Would” + base form of the verb: This is used for general predictions, hypothetical situations, or polite requests viewed from the past. Example: She said she would arrive by noon.
  • “Was/Were going to” + base form of the verb: This expresses intentions or plans that were made in the past. Example: They were going to visit Paris, but they changed their plans.
  • “Was/Were to” + base form of the verb: This is often used for formal arrangements, scheduled events, or obligations. Example: He was to give a speech at the conference.

Understanding these structures is the first step towards mastering the Future in the Past. By recognizing these patterns, you can begin to identify and use them effectively in your own writing and speech.

Remember to pay attention to the context and the intended meaning when choosing the appropriate structure.

Types of Future in the Past

The “Future in the Past” isn’t a single, monolithic structure. It has several variations, each with its own specific usage and nuance.

Understanding these different forms is crucial for accurately expressing past predictions, intentions, and arrangements.

“Would”

“Would” is perhaps the most common way to express the Future in the Past. It’s generally used to talk about what someone said, thought, or believed would happen.

It can also express habitual actions in the past, similar to “used to.”

Example: He thought it would rain. (prediction)

Example: She said she would call me later. (reported speech)

“Was/Were Going To”

“Was/Were going to” indicates an intention or plan that was made in the past but not necessarily carried out. It implies a sense of anticipation or expectation that existed at a specific point in the past.

Example: I was going to bake a cake, but I didn’t have time. (intention)

Example: They were going to move to Canada, but they decided to stay. (plan)

“Was/Were To”

“Was/Were to” is used to express formal arrangements, scheduled events, or obligations that were planned or expected to happen. It often carries a sense of officialdom or predetermination.

Example: The meeting was to begin at 9 am. (scheduled event)

Example: He was to report to the manager immediately. (obligation)

Future Perfect in the Past

The Future Perfect in the Past describes an action that was expected to be completed before a specific time in the past. It uses the structure “would have + past participle.”

Example: She said she would have finished the report by Friday. (expectation of completion)

Future Continuous in the Past

The Future Continuous in the Past describes an action that was expected to be in progress at a specific time in the past. It uses the structure “would be + verb-ing.”

Example: He said he would be working late that night. (expectation of ongoing action)

Examples of Future in the Past

To solidify your understanding of the “Future in the Past,” let’s explore a variety of examples organized by the different forms we’ve discussed. These examples will illustrate how each form is used in context and highlight the subtle nuances between them.

Examples with “Would”

The following table provides examples of “Would” used in various contexts to express predictions, reported speech, and hypothetical situations from a past perspective. Notice how “would” replaces “will” when reporting what someone said or thought.

Sentence Explanation
He thought it would be a good idea. Expresses a past thought about a future possibility.
She said she would help me with the project. Reports what she said about her future action.
They knew it would be difficult, but they were determined. Expresses a past understanding of a future challenge.
I assumed he would be late, as he usually was. Expresses a past assumption about a future event.
The weather forecast predicted it would snow tomorrow. (reported yesterday) Reports a past forecast about future weather.
She promised she would never leave me. Reports a promise made about a future action.
He believed that the company would succeed. Expresses a past belief about the company’s future.
They hoped the rain would stop soon. Expresses a past hope about a future event.
I imagined that she would be happy to see me. Expresses a past imagination about a future reaction.
He guessed that the movie would be popular. Expresses a past guess about the movie’s future popularity.
She mentioned that she would be traveling next week. Reports a past mention of a future trip.
They anticipated that the results would be positive. Expresses a past anticipation of future results.
I suspected that he would lie about his age. Expresses a past suspicion about a future lie.
He feared that he would fail the exam. Expresses a past fear about a future failure.
She expected that the package would arrive on time. Expresses a past expectation about a future arrival.
They predicted that the stock market would crash. Expresses a past prediction about a future crash.
I wagered that he would win the race. Expresses a past wager about a future win.
He bet that the team would lose. Expresses a past bet about a future loss.
She calculated that she would save enough money. Expresses a past calculation about future savings.
They determined that they would start early. Expresses a past determination about a future start.
I decided that I would learn French. Expresses a past decision about a future action.
He resolved that he would quit smoking. Expresses a past resolution about a future action.
She vowed that she would always be there for him. Expresses a past vow about a future action.

Examples with “Was/Were Going To”

The following table provides examples of “Was/Were Going To” used to express intentions or plans that existed in the past. Note that these plans may or may not have actually been carried out.

Sentence Explanation
I was going to call you, but I forgot. Expresses a past intention that wasn’t fulfilled.
They were going to travel to Italy, but they cancelled their trip. Expresses a past plan that was abandoned.
She was going to bake a cake, but she ran out of flour. Expresses a past intention that was thwarted.
He was going to ask her to dance, but he got nervous. Expresses a past intention that was not acted upon.
We were going to have a picnic, but it started raining. Expresses a past plan that was disrupted by weather.
She was going to apply for the job, but she changed her mind. Expresses a past intention that was reconsidered.
He was going to propose, but he lost the ring. Expresses a past intention that was derailed.
They were going to buy a new car, but they decided to wait. Expresses a past plan that was postponed.
I was going to tell you a secret, but I can’t now. Expresses a past intention that is now retracted.
He was going to surprise her, but she found out. Expresses a past intention that was revealed.
She was going to sing a song, but she got stage fright. Expresses a past intention that was prevented by anxiety.
They were going to build a house, but they ran out of money. Expresses a past plan that was hindered by financial constraints.
I was going to visit my grandmother, but she fell ill. Expresses a past intention that was affected by someone’s illness.
He was going to learn to play the guitar, but he never started. Expresses a past intention that was never initiated.
She was going to write a book, but she lost interest. Expresses a past intention that faded away.
They were going to start a business, but they got cold feet. Expresses a past plan that was abandoned due to fear.
I was going to exercise, but I felt too tired. Expresses a past intention that was overcome by fatigue.
He was going to apologize, but he was too proud. Expresses a past intention that was blocked by pride.
She was going to forgive him, but she couldn’t forget. Expresses a past intention that was hindered by resentment.
They were going to get married, but they broke up. Expresses a past plan that was terminated by a breakup.

Examples with “Was/Were To”

“Was/Were To” is more formal and often indicates arrangements, scheduled events, or obligations. The following examples illustrate this usage.

Sentence Explanation
The President was to arrive at 10 am. Expresses a scheduled arrival.
He was to report to the commanding officer immediately. Expresses an obligation or order.
The new law was to take effect on January 1st. Expresses a scheduled implementation.
She was to sing the national anthem at the ceremony. Expresses a pre-arranged performance.
The package was to be delivered by noon. Expresses a scheduled delivery.
He was to attend the meeting without fail. Expresses a mandatory attendance.
The building was to be demolished next month. Expresses a scheduled demolition.
She was to represent the company at the conference. Expresses a designated representation.
The documents were to be signed by both parties. Expresses a required signature.
He was to lead the expedition to the summit. Expresses a designated leadership.
The results were to be announced on Friday. Expresses a scheduled announcement.
She was to present her research findings. Expresses a scheduled presentation.
The prisoners were to be released on parole. Expresses a scheduled release.
He was to testify in court as a witness. Expresses a required testimony.
The bridge was to open to the public in spring. Expresses a scheduled opening.
She was to receive an award for her achievements. Expresses a scheduled award ceremony.
The contract was to be finalized by the end of the week. Expresses a deadline for finalization.
He was to oversee the entire operation. Expresses a designated oversight.
The event was to raise money for charity. Expresses a purpose of the event.
She was to take over the family business. Expresses a planned succession.

Examples with Future Perfect in the Past

The Future Perfect in the Past describes an action that was expected to be completed before a specific time in the past. It’s often used to express deadlines or anticipated completions.

Sentence Explanation
She said she would have finished the report by Friday. The report was expected to be completed by Friday.
He thought he would have saved enough money by the end of the year. He expected to have saved enough money by year-end.
They believed they would have reached their destination by nightfall. They expected to have arrived by nightfall.
I assumed he would have left by the time I arrived. I expected him to have departed before my arrival.
She hoped she would have learned to speak Spanish fluently by then. She hoped to have mastered Spanish by that point.
He predicted that the project would have been completed by now. He predicted the project’s completion by the present time.
They expected that the renovations would have been finished before the holidays. They expected the renovations to be completed before the holidays.
I imagined that she would have forgotten about me by then. I imagined she would have forgotten me by that time.
He guessed that the team would have won the championship by now. He guessed the team’s championship win by the present.
She mentioned she would have sent the package by yesterday. She mentioned the package’s expected dispatch by yesterday.
They anticipated that the company would have launched the new product by the end of the quarter. They anticipated the product launch by the quarter’s end.
I suspected that he would have spent all his money by now. I suspected he would have exhausted his funds by now.
He feared that he would have lost his job by the time he returned from vacation. He feared job loss by his return from vacation.
She expected that the guests would have arrived by 7 pm. She expected the guests’ arrival by 7 pm.
They predicted that the storm would have passed by morning. They predicted the storm’s passage by morning.
I wagered that he would have given up by now. I wagered he would have quit by now.
He bet that the book would have sold a million copies by the end of the year. He bet the book’s million-copy sales by year-end.
She calculated that she would have paid off her debt by then. She calculated debt payoff by that point.
They determined that they would have achieved their goals by the deadline. They determined goal achievement by the deadline.
I decided that I would have mastered the skill by the time I needed it. I decided to master the skill by the required time.

Examples with Future Continuous in the Past

The Future Continuous in the Past describes an action that was expected to be in progress at a specific time in the past. It emphasizes the duration of the action.

Sentence Explanation
He said he would be working late that night. He was expected to be working late.
She thought she would be sleeping when I called. She was expected to be asleep during my call.
They imagined they would be relaxing on the beach at this time tomorrow. They imagined relaxing on the beach at a future time.
I assumed he would be driving to work at that hour. I expected him to be driving at that specific time.
She hoped she would be traveling around Europe next summer. She hoped to be traveling in Europe in the future.
He predicted that the economy would be improving by next year. He predicted economic improvement in the future.
They expected that the company would be expanding its operations. They expected the company to be expanding.
I imagined that she would be living in a different city by then. I imagined her living elsewhere in the future.
He guessed that the team would be practicing for the championship. He guessed the team would be in practice.
She mentioned she would be attending the conference next week. She mentioned attending the conference.
They anticipated that the project would be generating revenue soon. They anticipated revenue generation.
I suspected that he would be cheating on the exam. I suspected him of cheating during the exam.
He feared that he would be struggling to make ends meet. He feared financial struggles.
She expected that the guests would be enjoying the party. She expected the guests to be enjoying themselves.
They predicted that the storm would be causing widespread damage. They predicted storm damage.
I wagered that he would be complaining about the food. I wagered he would complain about the food.
He bet that the stock market would be fluctuating wildly. He bet on market fluctuations.
She calculated that she would be saving a significant amount of money. She calculated savings.
They determined that they would be working towards a sustainable future. They determined to work towards sustainability.
I decided that I would be dedicating more time to my hobbies. I decided to dedicate more time to hobbies.

Usage Rules

Using the “Future in the Past” correctly involves understanding the specific rules that govern each form. Here’s a breakdown of the key usage rules:

  • “Would”: Use “would” to express general predictions, reported speech, or habitual actions in the past. It replaces “will” in indirect speech.
  • “Was/Were going to”: Use “was/were going to” to express intentions or plans that existed in the past. Remember that these plans may not have been carried out.
  • “Was/Were to”: Use “was/were to” for formal arrangements, scheduled events, or obligations. This form often carries a sense of officialdom or predetermination.
  • Future Perfect in the Past (“would have + past participle”): Use this to express that an action was expected to be completed before a certain time in the past.
  • Future Continuous in the Past (“would be + verb-ing”): Use this to express that an action was expected to be in progress at a certain time in the past.

Important Note: The choice between these forms depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context and the intended meaning when selecting the appropriate form.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using the present tense instead of the past tense when reporting speech or thoughts about the future. Another error is confusing “was/were going to” with “was/were to.” Remember that “was/were going to” implies an intention or plan, while “was/were to” implies a formal arrangement or obligation.

Also, using “will” instead of “would” in reported speech is a frequent error.

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
He said he will arrive later. He said he would arrive later. “Will” should be “would” in reported speech.
I was to call you, but I forgot. I was going to call you, but I forgot. “Was going to” expresses an unfulfilled intention.
She was going to sing the national anthem. She was to sing the national anthem. “Was to” implies a formal arrangement or obligation.
They thought it will be a good idea. They thought it would be a good idea. “Will” should be “would” when reporting a past thought.
She said she is going to help me. She said she was going to help me. Incorrect tense usage in reported speech.

Practice Exercises

Now, let’s test your understanding of the “Future in the Past” with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses, using the Future in the Past.

Question Answer
1. She said she _______ (call) me back later. would call
2. They _______ (go) to the beach, but it rained. were going to go
3. The meeting _______ (start) at 9 am sharp. was to start
4. He thought it _______ (be) a difficult task. would be
5. I _______ (visit) my grandmother, but she was busy. was going to visit
6. The package _______ (deliver) by noon, but it was delayed. was to be delivered
7. She said she _______ (finish) the project by Friday. would finish
8. They _______ (move) to a new city, but they changed their minds. were going to move
9. He _______ (give) a speech at the conference, but he got sick. was to give
10. I thought it _______ (snow) tomorrow, but it didn’t. would snow

Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences using the Future in the Past.

Original Sentence Rewritten Sentence
1. He said, “I will be there.” He said he would be there.
2. They planned to go to the movies. They were going to go to the movies.
3. The game was scheduled for tomorrow. The game was to be played tomorrow.
4. She thought, “I will succeed.” She thought she would succeed.
5. I intended to call you. I was going to call you.
6. The concert is supposed to start at 8 pm. The concert was to start at 8 pm.
7. He said, “I will help you with that.” He said he would help me with that.
8. They intended to buy a new house. They were going to buy a new house.
9. The meeting is scheduled for next week. The meeting was to be held next week.
10. She thought, “I will pass the exam.” She thought she would pass the exam.

Exercise 3: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Incorrect Sentence Corrected Sentence
1. He said he will arrive on time. He said he would arrive on time.
2. They were to going to the party. They were going to go to the party.
3. She was going to be sing the song. She was to sing the song.
4. I thought it will be easy. I thought it would be easy.
5. He was to calling me later. He was going to call me later.
6. She said she will be there by noon. She said she would be there by noon.
7. They were planning to went to Italy. They were going to go to Italy.
8. The train is to arrive at 10 am yesterday. The train was to arrive at 10 am yesterday.
9. He was thinking he will win the race. He was thinking he would win the race.
10. We were to have a barbeque but it rained. We were going to have a barbeque but it rained.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of the Future in the Past in complex sentence structures can be beneficial. This includes understanding how it interacts with conditional clauses and other subordinate clauses to create sophisticated narratives.

Analyzing literary works and speeches for examples of the Future in the Past can also deepen your understanding of its usage in different contexts.

Another advanced topic is understanding the subtle differences in meaning between the various forms of the Future in the Past. While “would,” “was/were going to,” and “was/were to” can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often carry slightly different connotations.

Mastering these subtleties will allow you to express yourself with greater precision and accuracy.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the “Future in the Past”:

  1. What is the “Future in the Past”?
    The “Future in the Past” is a grammatical construction used to talk about what someone thought, said, or believed would happen at a later time, all from a past perspective.
  2. When should I use “would”?
    Use “would” for general predictions, reported speech, or habitual actions in the past. It replaces “will” in indirect speech.
  3. What is the difference between “was going to” and “was to”?
    “Was going to” expresses an intention or plan that may not have been carried out, while “was to” expresses a formal arrangement, scheduled event, or obligation.
  4. How do I form the Future Perfect in the Past?
    The Future Perfect in the Past is formed using “would have + past participle.” It describes an action that was expected to be completed before a specific time in the past.
  5. How do I form the Future Continuous in the Past?

    It is formed using “would be + verb-ing,” and it describes an action that was expected to be in progress at a specific time in the past.

  6. Can I use “Future in the Past” in formal writing?
    Yes, the “Future in the Past” is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a standard grammatical construction used to convey specific meanings about past expectations or intentions.
  7. How can I improve my understanding of “Future in the Past”?
    Practice regularly with exercises, read extensively, and pay attention to how native speakers use these constructions in various contexts. Analyzing examples from books, articles, and conversations can be very helpful.

Conclusion

The “Future in the Past” is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced meanings about past expectations, intentions, and arrangements. By understanding the different forms – “would,” “was/were going to,” “was/were to,” Future Perfect in the Past, and Future Continuous in the Past – and practicing their correct usage, you can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.

Remember to pay attention to the context and intended meaning when choosing the appropriate form, and avoid common mistakes by carefully reviewing your sentences. With consistent practice, you can master this grammatical concept and use it to enrich your writing and speaking skills.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top