The future in the past
was going to, would, was about to
The rules
- A past plan that did not happen: "was going to".
- In reported speech, "will" becomes "would".
- "was about to" = was going to happen very soon.
- "were going to" + "but" shows a plan that changed.
- After a past verb like "knew", use "would" for the future.
- Subject + was/were about to + verb.
Examples
- I was going to go to the gym, but I was too tired.
- He said he would be home by eight.
- The train was about to leave when I reached the platform.
- They planned to move but did not.
- I knew you would like it.
- We were about to order dinner.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.I _____ go to the gym, but I was too tired.
2.He said he _____ be home by eight.
3.The train _____ leave when I reached the platform.
4.What does "We were going to move, but we stayed" tell you?
5.Which sentence is correct?