Future in the Past

Sam An Teng

When we talk about an action or event which was in the future at a past time, we use future in the past.   It expresses an idea that something would happen in the future from the past perspective. To make it make easy, we can say that it is the past form of some future tenses, as:

[1]  Subject + would + infinitive

We use this construction to talk about prediction, promise, or willingness.

For examples,
  •  I didn't think the noise would disturb anyone.  (Assumption/Prediction)
  •  We thought she would ask for early retirement at that time.  (Prediction)
  •  She said she would pay back all her debt. (Promise)
  •  He said he would give me a lift. (Voluntary action)

[2]  Subject + was/were + going to + infinitive

We use this construction to talk about a plan or prediction with proofing evidence.

For examples,
  •  Last year at this time, I thought I was going to buy a new car. (Plan)
  •  He decided that he was going to pursue Master's degree last year.(Plan/Intention)
  •  It was going to rain as there was strong wind and dark cloud.  (Prediction)
  •  He had hard time with his boss; I thought he was going to leave. (Prediction)

[3] Past continuous

We use this construction to talk about arrangement.

For examples,
  •  She thought she was seeing the doctor later that day.
  •  I thought they were leaving the next day. 

[4]  Subject + was/were + to infinitive

We use this construction to talk about a fixed schedule.

For examples,
  •  When I was drinking there, I heard the shop was to close at 11.
  •  The government announced last year that it was to expand the road to the airport.

[5]  Subject + was/were + about to + infinitive 

We use this construction to talk about an immediate future in the past.

For examples,

  •  She was about to leave when his mother called. 
  •  I was about to mark his absent when he walked into the class.

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Related topics:

Present Simple
Present Continuous
Present Perfect Simple
Present Perfect Continuous 
Past Simple
Past Continuous
Past Perfect Simple 
Past Perfect Continuous 
Future: WILL
Future: BE GOING TO
Other ways of expressing future meanings
Future Continuous
Future Perfect Simple
Future Perfect Continuous
Future in the past