Ways to Talk about Future in the Past

Talking about the future in the past can be tricky, but it’s an essential part of English. This blog will explain how to use “was/were + going to,” “was/were supposed to,” and “was/were due to,” helping you convey plans, expectations, and schedules that were set in the past.

How Can We Talk About the Future in the Past?

To discuss plans or intentions that were set in the past for the future, we use specific structures. These include “was/were + going to,” “was/were supposed to,” and “was/were due to.” Each has its own nuance and usage rules.

Was/Were + Going To

This structure is used to express a past intention or plan that did not necessarily happen.

Formula:

• Subject + was/were + going to + base form of the verb

Examples:

1. I was going to call you last night.
2. They were going to visit Paris.
3. She was going to start a new job.
4. We were going to watch a movie.
5. He was going to clean the house.
6. I was going to buy a new car.
7. They were going to move to Canada.
8. She was going to learn Spanish.
9. We were going to have a meeting.
10. He was going to write a book.

Was/Were Supposed To

This structure is used to talk about an obligation or expectation in the past that might not have been fulfilled.

Formula:

• Subject + was/were + supposed to + base form of the verb

Examples:

1. I was supposed to finish the report.
2. They were supposed to arrive at 8 PM.
3. She was supposed to bring snacks.
4. We were supposed to submit the assignment.
5. He was supposed to call his mom.
6. I was supposed to attend the meeting.
7. They were supposed to book the tickets.
8. She was supposed to organize the event.
9. We were supposed to clean the garage.
10. He was supposed to meet her.

Was/Were Due To

This structure is used to indicate a scheduled event or a formal arrangement that was set to happen in the past.

Formula:

• Subject + was/were + due to + base form of the verb

Examples:

1. The train was due to leave at 6 PM.
2. The meeting was due to start at 9 AM.
3. She was due to give a presentation.
4. They were due to finish the project.
5. He was due to arrive yesterday.
6. The package was due to be delivered.
7. I was due to see the doctor.
8. We were due to travel on Monday.
9. She was due to sign the contract.
10. The show was due to begin at 8 PM.