Past verb forms with present or future meaning
A past verb form does not always have a past meaning. Verbs like I had, you went and I was wondering are often used to talk about the present or the future.
after if, unless, supposing etc.
After if, unless and words with similar meanings, we often use past verb forms to refer to the present or the future.
- If I had the money now I would buy a car.
- You look as if you were just about to scream.
after it's time, would rather and wish
After these expressions, past verb forms can have present or future meanings.
- I wish I had a better memory.
- Ten o'clock - it is time you went home.
distancing in questions, requests etc.
We can make questions, requests and offers more polite by using past tenses. Common expressions are I wondered, I thought, I hoped, did you want.
- I thought you might like some coffee.
- I wondered if you were free this evening.
modal auxiliaries
The modal auxiliaries would, should, could and might usually have present or future meanings.
- Would you lend me some money?
- Could you help with me for a moment?
- 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 tensePassive voice worksheet | Past continuous tense
Passive voice worksheet | Simple future tense
Passive voice worksheet | Future perfect tense