Practice Future in the Past with B2 exercises. Clear explanations and test questions on structures like was going to, would and past predictions.
Future in the Past Exercises
Future in the past When we talk about the future in the past, we are talking about actions or events that were in the future at a certain point in the past. In other words, we look back at some past situation and talk about what somebody thought, planned, expected or predicted would happen next.
The structure is very common in storytelling, in reported speech, and in everyday communication.
What is “Future in the Past”?
“Future in the past” refers to a future action viewed from the past perspective.
Example:
- She said she would call me later.
At the time she spoke (in the past), the call was in the future.
Standard Structures
Would
We use would as the past tense of will, especially in reported speech.
- He said he would arrive at 8 p.m.
- I knew they would help us.
To be used in:
- Predictions in the past
- Promises
- Reported speech
Was/Were Going To
This form is for plans or intentions in the past.
- I was going to start a new job, but I changed my mind.
- They were going to travel, but the trip was canceled.
Use it for:
- Plans that may or may not have happened
- Intentions in the past
Was/Were About To
The structure indicated that something was about to happen soon.
- She was about to leave when the phone rang.
- We were about to order when they arrived.
Use it for:
- Immediate future in the past
Was/Were Supposed To
We use this to talk about expectations or obligations in the past (often unfulfilled).
- I was supposed to meet him, but I forgot.
- They were supposed to finish the project yesterday.
Often implies:
- Something didn’t happen as planned
Differences at a Glance
- Would → neutral future from the past (predictions, promises)
- Was going to → plans or intentions
- Was about to → ‘nearly’ happened
- Was supposed to → was expected or obligated to (but didn’t)
Future in the Past in Reported Speech
Normally we change the tense back when we report what someone said.
Direct speech:
- “I will call you.”
Reported speech:
- He said he would call me.
Mastering future in the past helps you sound more natural when you tell stories, report conversations, and describe past expectations. At B2 level, it’s important to be accurate and aware of context, so practice different structures and see how they are used in real life.
