Future in the past

Describe events that were still future from a past viewpoint using would, was going to and was about to.

When do we use it?

Select a future-in-the-past form according to prediction, intention or imminence.

Form

Use would for a later event, was going to for an intention and was about to for imminence.

• She knew she would return.
• I was going to call.
• They were about to leave.

Key contrast

At C1, grammar choices shape emphasis, stance, information flow and register as well as basic correctness.

Common mistakes

• She knew she will return. → She knew she would return.
• I was about calling. → I was about to call.

Remember

Describe events that were still future from a past viewpoint using would, was going to and was about to.

Quick check

• Identify the focus, stance or relationship between clauses.
• Check inversion, complementation and reference carefully.
• Prefer the option that is both grammatical and appropriate for the register.