Future in the past: other ideas

 There are other ways to express the idea that something was still in the future at a certain time in the past. Here are some alternative ways:

1. Past continuous: You can use the past continuous tense to describe an action that was happening at a certain time in the past and was expected to continue in the future. For example: "At 5 pm yesterday, I was still studying for my exam, which was scheduled for the next day."

2. Future perfect: You can use the future perfect tense to describe an action that will be completed at a certain time in the future, looking back from a past point in time. For example: "By the end of the week, I will have finished my project, which at the time was still in the future."

3. Modal verbs: You can use modal verbs such as "would," "could," "should," or "might" followed by the base form of the verb to express an action that was still in the future at a certain time in the past. For example: "I thought I might go to the movies later, but I wasn't sure."

4. Phrases: You can use phrases such as "at that time," "back then," or "in those days" to indicate the time frame you are referring to. For example: "Back then, we didn't have smartphones like we do now."

These are just a few examples of how you can express the idea that something was still in the future at a certain time in the past. The choice of tense and expression will depend on the specific context and what you want to convey.

Here are some illustrations and exercises to help you practice using different ways to express the idea of the future in the past:

1. Past Continuous:

Illustration: "At 7 pm yesterday, I was still working on my project, which was due the next day."

Exercise: Rewrite the following sentence using the past continuous tense to indicate an action that was still in progress at a certain time in the past:

"At 10 am this morning, I was planning my schedule for the week ahead."

Answer: "At 10 am this morning, I was still planning my schedule for the week ahead."

2. Future Perfect:

Illustration: "By the time we arrived at the hotel, we will have traveled for over 12 hours."

Exercise: Rewrite the following sentence using the future perfect tense to indicate that an action will be completed by a certain time in the future, looking back from a past point in time:

"At the time, I didn't know that I would finish the book by the end of the week."

Answer: "At the time, I didn't know that I would have finished the book by the end of the week."

3. Modal Verbs:

Illustration: "I thought I could complete the task by the end of the day, but it turned out to be more difficult than I expected."

Exercise: Rewrite the following sentence using a modal verb to indicate the uncertainty of a future action at a certain time in the past:

"She said she would come to the party, but I wasn't sure if she would actually show up."

Answer: "She said she might come to the party, but I wasn't sure if she would actually show up."

4. Phrases:

Illustration: "In those days, we used to go to the beach every summer."

Exercise: Rewrite the following sentence using a phrase to indicate a specific time frame:

"Last year, we went on a road trip across the country."

Answer: "At that time, we went on a road trip across the country."

I hope these illustrations and exercises help you understand and practice using different ways to express the idea of the future in the past.

Future in the past

 Here is the chart for the future in the past tense:

Pronoun	Auxiliary verb (would)	Base form of the main verb
I	would	study
You	would	study
He/She/It	would	study
We	would	study
They	would	study

The future in the past tense is used to describe a future event from a past perspective. It is formed by using the auxiliary verb "would" followed by the base form of the main verb.

Examples:

1. She said she would study hard for the exam the next day.
2. They hoped that they would arrive at the airport on time.
3. He wondered if he would meet his deadline for the project.

Rules:

1. The future in the past tense is used to describe a future event from a past perspective.
2. It is formed using the auxiliary verb "would" followed by the base form of the main verb.
3. The tense is often used to talk about past plans, predictions, expectations, or intentions about future events.

Here are some exercises to help you practice using the future in the past tense:

1. Rewrite the following sentences in the future in the past tense:

a. They will have a party next weekend. b. I will finish my work by tomorrow. c. She will start her new job next month.

2. Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the future in the past tense:

a. He told me he ___________ study hard for the test the next day. b. She wondered if she ___________ be able to catch the train in time. c. They said they ___________ help us with the project.

Answers:

1. a. They would have a party the following weekend. b. I would finish my work by the next day. c. She would start her new job the following month.
2. a. would, b. would be, c. would help us

Explanation:

In these exercises, you need to use the future in the past tense to describe a future event from a past perspective. Remember to use the auxiliary verb "would" followed by the base form of the main verb. Also, pay attention to the context of the sentence and the time perspective. The future in the past tense is often used to talk about past plans, predictions, expectations, or intentions about future events.

Future : I am to .....

 The structure "I am to" is used to talk about future plans or arrangements that are already decided or agreed upon. It is often used in formal situations, such as in official announcements or schedules. Here are some examples:

1. The president is to give a speech tomorrow evening.
2. The plane is to depart at 7 am.
3. The team is to play in the championship next week.

Here are some exercises to help you practice using the "I am to" structure:

1. Rewrite the following sentences using the "I am to" structure:

a. I will attend the meeting next Monday. b. We will have a party on Saturday evening. c. She will start her new job next month.

2. Complete the following sentences with the correct form of "I am to":

a. The CEO ___________ meet with the board of directors this afternoon. b. The concert ___________ start at 8 pm. c. The guests ___________ arrive at the hotel tomorrow morning.

Answers:

1. a. I am to attend the meeting next Monday. b. We are to have a party on Saturday evening. c. She is to start her new job next month.
2. a. is to, b. is to, c. are to

Explanation:

In these exercises, you need to use the "I am to" structure to talk about future plans or arrangements that are already decided or agreed upon. Remember to use the correct form of "I am to" based on the subject of the sentence. This structure is often used in formal situations, so it is important to pay attention to the appropriate level of formality when using it.

Future Perfect Tense

 Here is a chart to show how to form the future perfect tense:

Pronoun	Auxiliary verb (will)	Have + past participle
I	will have	studied
You	will have	studied
He/She/It	will have	studied
We	will have	studied
They	will have	studied

The future perfect tense is used to talk about completed actions that will happen before a certain point in the future. It is formed by using the auxiliary verb "will" followed by "have" and the past participle form of the main verb.

Examples:

1. By 10 pm tonight, I will have finished my work.
2. They will have been married for 10 years next month.
3. By the time we get there, she will have already left.

Exercises:

1. Choose the correct form of the future perfect tense to complete the sentence:

a. By the time they arrive, we ___________ (will have finished, will finish) dinner. b. I ___________ (will have read, will read) all of the books on the list by the end of the month. c. They ___________ (will have been working, will work) at the company for 10 years next year. d. By this time next year, we ___________ (will have visited, will visit) all 50 states.

2. Rewrite the following sentences using the future perfect tense:

a. I will finish my work before 5 pm today. b. She will leave for her trip next week. c. They will study for their exam tomorrow.

Answers:

1. a. will have finished, b. will have read, c. will have been working, d. will have visited
2. a. By 5 pm today, I will have finished my work. b. By next week, she will have left for her trip. c. By tomorrow, they will have studied for their exam.

Explanation:

In these exercises, you need to choose the correct form of the future perfect tense and use it to complete the sentence or rewrite the sentence in the future perfect tense. Remember to use the auxiliary verb "will" followed by "have" and the past participle form of the main verb to form the future perfect tense. The future perfect tense is used to talk about completed actions that will happen before a certain point in the future.