What is Future Past Tense?
The future past tense refers to a verb tense used to describe actions or events that were planned or expected to occur after a certain point in the past.
It combines the concept of the future with a perspective anchored in the past, allowing you to talk about what was supposed to happen but may or may not have occurred.
The Basics of Future Past Tense
The future past tense blends the concept of a future action with a perspective anchored in the past. The basic structure is subject + "would" or "was/were going to" + base form of the verb. This formation enables you to articulate what was supposed to happen after a specific moment in the past, but may or may not have occurred.
Examples:
I thought she would arrive by noon. (Expectation)
They were going to travel last summer, but plans changed. (Plan that didn’t materialize)
Additional Rules:
Use "would" for habitual actions or definite expectations.
Example: Every day, he would tell the same story.Use "was/were going to" for planned actions that may or may not have been realized.
Example: She was going to bake a cake, but she ran out of time.
Common Uses of Future Past Tense
The future past tense is commonly used in the following scenarios:
Expressing Intentions or Plans: This tense is ideal for talking about intentions or plans formed in the past, particularly when these plans were not carried out.
Examples:
I was going to call you yesterday, but I got too busy.
He was planning to attend the meeting, but it got canceled.
Reporting Speech: The future past tense is also crucial in reported speech when discussing what someone thought or intended to do at a specific time in the past.
Examples:
She said she would help with the project later. (She intended to help)
He mentioned that they were going to meet us after work. (They planned to meet)
Expressing Regret or Missed Opportunities: Another use is to express regret about something that was supposed to happen but didn’t.
Examples:
We were going to see that movie, but it was sold out.
I would have loved to join you, but I had another commitment.
Variations and Nuances in Future Past Tense
Using "Would" vs. "Was/Were Going To": The choice between "would" and "was/were going to" can subtly change the meaning of a sentence. "Would" often indicates a habitual action or a definite expectation, while "was/were going to" suggests a plan that was in place but may not have been carried out.
Examples:
She would always call if she was running late. (habitual action)
We were going to visit the museum, but it was closed. (a plan that changed)
Expressing Conditional Situations: "Would" is frequently used in conditional sentences to express what was expected to happen under certain conditions.
Examples:
If it hadn’t rained, we would have gone to the park.
Had I known, I would have acted differently.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mixing Up Tenses: A common error is confusing the future past tense with other tenses, such as the simple future or simple past. This can lead to sentences that sound awkward or incorrect.
Examples:
Incorrect: He said he will finish the project by Friday.
Correct: He said he would finish the project by Friday.
Overusing "Would": Another mistake is overusing "would" when "was/were going to" is more appropriate, especially in cases of planned actions.
Examples:
Incorrect: They would go to the party, but they changed their minds.
Correct: They were going to go to the party, but they changed their minds.
Practice Exercises:
Rewrite the sentences using the correct future past tense form:
"She promised she _______ (call) me, but she didn’t."
"We _______ (go) to the beach, but the weather was bad."
Fill in the blanks with "would" or "was/were going to":
"He said he _______ help with the project."
"I _______ call you yesterday, but I forgot."
Identify and correct the errors in these sentences:
"They would meet us after work, but they were too tired."
"She told me she will arrive by 5 PM."