Simple Past Future Tense

The Simple Past Future Tense (often referred to as the Simple Conditional) is used to express actions, states, or plans that were future from a perspective in the past, or hypothetical events that are currently untrue.

Like the Simple Future, this tense has two main forms: using would and using was/were going to.

1. Grammatical Formulas (Positive Statements Only)

Category A: Using “Would”

The auxiliary verb would is used for reported speech, conditional clauses, or general hypothetical events. It is used with all subjects.

  • Verbal Formula: Subject + would + Verb 1 + Object / Complement
    • I would buy that house.
  • Nominal Formula: Subject + would + be + Complement (Adjective/Noun/Adverb)
    • They would be happy to help.

Category B: Using “Was/Were Going To”

This structure is used to describe plans or intentions that were made in the past but usually did not happen.

  • Verbal Formula: Subject + was/were + going to + Verb 1 + Object / Complement
    • I was going to call you.
  • Nominal Formula: Subject + was/were + going to + be + Complement (Adjective/Noun/Adverb)
    • It was going to be a surprise.

2. Detailed Usage Scenarios

1. Unfulfilled Plans or Intentions in the Past (with “Was/Were Going To”)

Used to describe plans, intentions, or events that were scheduled in the past but did not occur, often due to an interruption.

  • I was going to go to the cinema, but I had to work late. - Unfulfilled plan.
  • They were going to buy the car, but it was already sold. - Unfulfilled plan.
  • We were going to be late anyway, so we didn’t hurry. - Unfulfilled expectation.

2. Reported Speech / Future in the Past (with “Would”)

Used to express the future from a past perspective when reporting what someone said, thought, or believed. It replaces “will” in direct speech.

  • Direct Speech: “I will travel tomorrow,” said Sarah.
  • Reported Speech: Sarah said that she would travel the next day.
  • I knew that they would win the match. - My past belief about their future success.

3. Hypothetical Present or Future Situations (Conditional Type 2)

Used in the main clause of Type 2 Conditional sentences to express imaginary, unreal, or highly unlikely conditions in the present or future.

  • If I had a million dollars, I would travel around the world. - Imaginary present situation.
  • If she practiced more, she would play the piano beautifully. - Unlikely future condition.
  • If they were here, they would be very proud. - Unreal nominal state.

4. Polite Requests, Offers, and Desires (with “Would”)

Used to soften statements, making requests or desires sound polite and respectful.

  • I would like a cup of tea, please. - Polite desire.
  • It would be wonderful if you could help us. - Polite request.

3. Common Time Markers

Because this is a past-oriented or hypothetical tense, its time markers are often relative or conditional:

  • The next day
  • The following week
  • That night

4. More Complete Sentence Examples

  1. I was going to visit you yesterday, but it rained. - Unfulfilled plan.
  2. They promised that they would arrive on time. - Reported speech promise.
  3. If I were you, I would accept the job offer. - Hypothetical conditional.
  4. She would be glad to join our team. - Polite desire/nominal state.
  5. We were going to pack our bags last night, but we were too tired. - Unfulfilled intention.

Next, we will explore the Past Future Continuous Tense to learn how to express hypothetical ongoing actions in the past.