Future in the past

Rules

• Rule 1: was / were going to

  Use it for a plan / intention in the past or a prediction made at that time. Often the plan didn't happen, and *but* follows.

  Pattern: subject + was / were going to + base verb

  Example: We were going to play outside, but it rained.

  Example: I knew it was going to be a great day.

• Rule 2: was / were about to

  Something was on the verge of happening. Usually when introduces an interrupting event. Same meaning: was on the point of + -ing.

  Pattern: subject + was / were about to + base verb (… when …)

  Example: I was about to sleep when my phone buzzed.

  Example: She was on the point of leaving.

• Rule 3: would

  After past verbs like knew, thought, said, promised, had no idea, we use would for what was still to come (for a prediction, was going to also works). It's the past form of *will*. In stories it also means “later, … would …”.

  Pattern: … knew / thought / said … + would + base verb

  Example: I thought you would be late.

  Example: She met a boy who would become her best friend.

• Rule 4: was to / was due to

  was / were to expresses a formal arrangement or, looking back, destiny. An arrangement that didn't happen: was to have + V3. was / were due to: a scheduled or expected event.

  Pattern: subject + was / were to / was / were due to + base verb

  Example: The ceremony was to begin at noon.

  Example: The bus was due to leave at eight.

Common mistakes

• I am going to call you, but I forgot. → I was going to call you, but I forgot.

  The plan was in the past → was going to.

• I knew you will win. → I knew you would win.

  Past viewpoint → would.

• She was about leave. → She was about to leave.

  about to + base verb; don't drop *to*.