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Past verb form with present or future meaning

A past tense does not always have a past meaning. In some kinds of sentence we can use verbs like I had, you went or I was wondering to talk about the present or future.

After conjunctions, instead of would: If I paid now …​

In most subordinate clauses (e.g. after if, supposing, wherever, what), we use past tenses (and not would …) to express ‘unreal’ or conditional ideas (see here).

  • If I had the money now I’d buy a car.
  • If you caught the ten o’clock train tomorrow, you would be in Edinburgh by supper-time, unless the train was delayed, of course.
  • Supposing we didn’t go abroad next year?
  • Would you follow me wherever I went?
  • In a perfect world, you would be able to say exactly what you thought.
  • Ten o’clock – it’s time (that) you went home. (see here)
  • Don’t come and see me today – I’d rather (that) you came tomorrow. (see here)
  • I wish (that) I had a better memory. (see here)

Distancing in questions, requests, etc: I wondered if …​

We can make questions, requests and offers less direct (and so more polite) by using past tenses. (For more about ‘distancing’ of this kind, (see here).) Common formulae are I wondered, I thought, I hoped, did you want. (see here).)

  • I wondered if you were free this evening.
  • I thought you might like some flowers.
  • Did you want cream with your coffee, sir?

Past progressive forms (I was thinking/wondering/hoping, etc) make sentences even less direct. (see here)

  • I was thinking about that idea of yours.
  • I was hoping we could have dinner together.

‘Past’ modals: could, might, would, should​

The ‘past’ modal forms could, might, would and should usually have present or future reference; they are used as less direct, ‘distanced’ forms of can, may, will and shall. (see here)

  • Could you help me for a moment?

  • I think it might rain soon.

  • Would you come this way, please?

  • Alice should be here soon.

Past focus on continuing situations: It was such a nice place​

If we are talking about the past, we often use past tenses even for things which are still true and situations which still exist.

  • Are you deaf? I asked how old you were.
  • I’m sorry we left Liverpool. It was such a nice place.
  • Do you remember that nice couple we met in Greece? They were German, weren’t they?
  • I got this job because I was a good driver.
  • James applied to join the police last week, but he wasn’t tall enough.
note

For more indirect speech examples, (see here), (see here).