Past tense forms with present or future meaning

A past tense does not always have a past meaning. After words like if, unless and supposing, we often use past verb forms with present or future meaning.

• If I had the money now I would buy a car.
• You look as if you were about to scream.

It's time

After expressions like it's time, would rather and wish, past forms can have present or future meaning.

• Ten o'clock - it is time you went home.
• I wish I was better-looking.

Distancing

Past verb forms are often used to make questions, requests and offers sound less direct and more polite. Common expressions are I wondered, I thought, I hoped, did you want.

• I wondered if you were free this evening.
• I was hoping you could lend me some money.
• I thought you might like some coffee.
• Did you want to go now?

Modals

The modal verbs could, might, would and should usually have present or future reference.

• Could you help me?
• I think it might rain soon.
• She should be here soon.

See also

Tenses
The simple present tense
The present progressive tense
The present perfect tense
The present perfect progressive tense
Present tenses to talk about the future
The simple past tense
The past progressive tense
The past perfect tense
The past perfect progressive tense
Past verb forms with present or future meaning
The simple future tense
The future progressive tense
The future perfect tense

More CBSE English Grammar worksheets

Passive voice worksheet | Simple past tense
Passive voice worksheet | Past continuous tense
Passive voice worksheet | Simple future tense
Passive voice worksheet | Future perfect tense