Grammar Worksheet — Intro
Future in the Past
Explanation
Future in the past describes events that were future from a past viewpoint.
Use was/were going to for plans or intentions, would for later events in narratives, and was/were to for formal arrangements or destiny.
Was/were about to and was/were due to show something expected very soon or according to a schedule.
Form
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Core form | was/were going to + base verb | They were going to announce the result on Friday. |
| Variation | would + base verb | The decision would later prove controversial. |
| Advanced form | was/were about to / due to + base verb | The train was due to leave at six. |
Use would for future events in past narratives, not for repeated past habits in this context.
Use was/were to for formal plans, official arrangements, or events seen as destined.
Examples
- They were going to announce the result on Friday, but the vote was delayed.
- The decision would later prove controversial.
- The president was to meet the delegation the following day.
- We were about to leave when the phone rang.
- The train was due to leave at six.
- She was going to resign, but her team persuaded her to stay.
- It would be years before the full truth emerged.
- The reforms were to change the education system permanently.
Common Mistakes
- They will announce the result on Friday, but the vote was delayed. → They were going to announce the result on Friday, but the vote was delayed. Use future in the past from a past viewpoint.
- The decision will later prove controversial. → The decision would later prove controversial. Use would in a past narrative.
- We were about leave when the phone rang. → We were about to leave when the phone rang. Use about to + base verb.
- The train was due leaving at six. → The train was due to leave at six. Use due to + base verb.