The concept of the “future in the past” might sound confusing at first, but it’s simply a way of describing an action or event that was planned or expected to happen in the past, but may or may not have actually occurred. It’s a helpful tool to have in your English grammar toolkit, especially for IELTS, where expressing the nuances of time can boost your score. Let’s examine how this grammatical concept works in the context of IELTS and how it can be used effectively to achieve a band score of 7 or higher.
For instance, you might say:
- “I was going to study abroad, but then the pandemic hit.” (This implies the plan existed but didn’t happen)
- “She was about to leave when the phone rang.” (This emphasizes how close she was to leaving before something interrupted her)
- “They were to meet at the cafe, but they both forgot.” (This was a pre-arranged plan that didn’t come to fruition)
These examples illustrate how we can discuss past intentions, expectations, and almost-happened events using specific verb forms. Let’s break these down further.
Understanding the “Future in the Past”
In the IELTS Speaking test, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to talk about a range of past experiences and hypothetical situations. The “future in the past” is especially useful when describing:
- Unfulfilled plans: Talking about trips you had planned, jobs you were going to take, or people you were supposed to meet.
- Interrupted events: Describing a situation where you were about to do something, but something else happened.
- Hypothetical situations in the past: Discussing what you would have done differently or what might have happened if something else had or hadn’t occurred.
Form and Function: Mastering “Future in the Past” Structures
There are several grammatical structures we use to express the “future in the past.”
1. Was/Were going to + base verb
- Form: Subject + was/were going to + base form of verb
- Function: This structure is the most common way to express an intention or plan that was made in the past, but which may or may not have been completed.
Example in an IELTS Speaking context:
“I was going to travel around South America after finishing university, but I decided to get a job and start my career instead.”
2. Was/Were about to + base verb
- Form: Subject + was/were about to + base form of verb
- Function: This structure is used to describe an action that was very close to happening in the past, but was interrupted or prevented.
Example in an IELTS Speaking context:
“I was about to leave for work when I realized I’d forgotten my laptop!”
3. Was/Were to + base verb
- Form: Subject + was/were to + base form of verb
- Function: This more formal structure often describes an event that was arranged or scheduled, but which did not take place. It can also be used in reported speech.
Example in an IELTS Speaking context:
“The meeting was to be held on Tuesday, but it was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Sample IELTS Speaking Responses
Here are a few examples of how you could incorporate “future in the past” structures into your IELTS Speaking responses:
-
Examiner: “Tell me about a time your plans changed unexpectedly.”
- Candidate: “Well, last summer, I was going to volunteer at an animal sanctuary in Thailand. However, I broke my leg playing football, so I had to cancel the trip.”
-
Examiner: “What are your plans for after this exam?”
- Candidate: “If I pass the IELTS, I am going to apply for a Master’s program in Environmental Science in Canada. It has always been my dream to study there.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
-
Incorrect tense sequence: Ensure you maintain a consistent past tense throughout your response.
- Incorrect: “I was going to call you, but I forget.”
- Correct: “I was going to call you, but I forgot.”
-
Overusing “would”: While “would” is used for hypotheticals, it’s not always interchangeable with “future in the past” structures. Stick to the specific structures outlined above for past intentions or plans.
- Incorrect: “I would meet her for coffee, but she was busy.”
- Correct: “I was going to meet her for coffee, but she was busy.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “future in the past” allows you to express yourself with more nuance and precision, which is exactly what IELTS examiners look for. By using these structures accurately and incorporating them into your Speaking responses, you can demonstrate your command of English grammar and enhance your overall score. Continue practicing these structures, pay close attention to the different forms and functions, and soon you’ll be confidently using them in your IELTS exam and beyond!