We use “future in the past” to talk about the future as seen from a point in the past. It is common in stories and reported speech. “Was / were going to” often shows a plan that did not happen; “would” is used for predictions and what happened next in a story.
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| was/were going to + base verb | She was going to call me. |
| would + base verb (narrative / reported) | He said he would help. |
| was/were + verb-ing (arrangement) | I was meeting him that evening. |
| was/were about to + base verb | The film was about to start. |
When to use it
- An unfulfilled plan: I was going to tell you, but I didn't have time.
- A past prediction: I knew he would win.
- In narrative: She didn't know it would change her life.
- About to happen: We were about to leave when the phone rang.
Examples
- She was going to call me, but she forgot.
- I thought it would rain.
- We were flying to Rome the next day.
- He said he would be late.
- The train was about to leave.
- I was going to buy it, but it was too expensive.
Common mistakes
- “Will” in the past context: He said he will help → he would help.
- Present form for the plan: I am going to call him, but I forgot → I was going to call him.
- Mixing “would” (prediction) with “used to” (habit).