Using the past tense to describe an action that will happen in the future

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 88 views

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the correct usage of verb tenses in a sentence. Verb tenses are an essential part of the English language, and mastering them can help you communicate more effectively. We will use a scenario to demonstrate the correct usage of verb tenses.

The Scenario

Let's take a look at the following sentence:

"Hi, I'm lan Wallace, I live in Exeter and I am on the school swimming team. Last weekend we took part in a swimming competition in London. On Friday our coach told us that we (1) will go/would go to London by train."

The Correct Answer

The correct answer is will go. Here's why:

The sentence "we will go to London by train" is in the future simple tense, which is used to describe an action that will happen in the future.
The sentence "we would go to London by train" is in the conditional tense, which is used to describe an action that might happen in a hypothetical or uncertain situation.

Understanding Verb Tenses

Verb tenses are used to describe the time at which an action takes place. There are three main types of verb tenses: past, present, and future.

Past tense: used to describe an action that happened in the past. Example: "I went to the store yesterday."
Present tense: used to describe an action that is happening now. Example: "I am eating a sandwich."
Future tense: used to describe an action that will happen in the future. Example: "I will go to the store tomorrow."

The Conditional Tense

The conditional tense is used to describe an action that might happen in a hypothetical or uncertain situation. It is formed using the auxiliary verb "would" and the base form of the main verb.

First conditional: used to describe an action that will happen if a certain condition is met. Example: "If it rains, we will go to the movies."
Second conditional: used to describe an action that might happen if a certain condition is met. Example: "If I won the lottery, I would buy a house."

The Future Simple Tense

The future simple tense is used to describe an action that will happen in the future. It is formed using the auxiliary verb "will" and the base form of the main verb.

Future simple: used to describe an action that will happen in the future. Example: "I will go to the store tomorrow."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer is will go. The future simple tense is used to describe an action that will happen in the future, while the conditional tense is used to describe an action that might happen in a hypothetical or uncertain situation.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using verb tenses:

Using the past tense to describe an action that will happen in the future: Example: "I went to the store tomorrow." (Incorrect)
Using the present tense to describe an action that happened in the past: Example: "I am eating a sandwich yesterday." (Incorrect)
Using the conditional tense to describe an action that will happen in the future: Example: "If I won the lottery, I will buy a house." (Incorrect)

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you master verb tenses:

Use a dictionary or grammar book to check the verb tense: If you're unsure about the verb tense, use a dictionary or grammar book to check.
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice using verb tenses, the more comfortable you'll become with them.
Read and listen to English language materials: Reading and listening to English language materials can help you become more familiar with verb tenses.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the correct usage of verb tenses in a sentence. Verb tenses are an essential part of the English language, and mastering them can help you communicate more effectively. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about verb tenses.

Q1: What is the difference between the past, present, and future tenses?

A1: The past tense is used to describe an action that happened in the past. The present tense is used to describe an action that is happening now. The future tense is used to describe an action that will happen in the future.

Example:

Past tense: "I went to the store yesterday."
Present tense: "I am eating a sandwich."
Future tense: "I will go to the store tomorrow."

Q2: What is the difference between the simple, continuous, and perfect tenses?

A2: The simple tense is used to describe a completed action. The continuous tense is used to describe an action that is happening at a specific time. The perfect tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present.

Example:

Simple tense: "I went to the store."
Continuous tense: "I was eating a sandwich at 12:00 PM."
Perfect tense: "I have eaten a sandwich."

Q3: What is the difference between the first, second, and third conditionals?

A3: The first conditional is used to describe an action that will happen if a certain condition is met. The second conditional is used to describe an action that might happen if a certain condition is met. The third conditional is used to describe an action that would have happened if a certain condition had been met.

Example:

First conditional: "If it rains, we will go to the movies."
Second conditional: "If I won the lottery, I would buy a house."
Third conditional: "If I had won the lottery, I would have bought a house."

Q4: How do I form the future simple tense?

A4: The future simple tense is formed using the auxiliary verb "will" and the base form of the main verb.

Example:

"I will go to the store tomorrow."
"You will eat a sandwich at 12:00 PM."

Q5: How do I form the conditional tense?

A5: The conditional tense is formed using the auxiliary verb "would" and the base form of the main verb.

Example:

"If I won the lottery, I would buy a house."
"If it rains, we would go to the movies."

Q6: What is the difference between the present perfect and present perfect continuous tenses?

A6: The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present, with a focus on the duration of the action.

Example:

Present perfect: "I have eaten a sandwich."
Present perfect continuous: "I have been eating a sandwich for 30 minutes."

Q7: How do I form the present perfect and present perfect continuous tenses?

A7: The present perfect tense is formed using the auxiliary verb "has" or "have" and the past participle of the main verb. The present perfect continuous tense is formed using the auxiliary verb "has" or "have" and the present participle of the main verb.

Example:

Present perfect: "I have eaten a sandwich."
Present perfect continuous: "I have been eating a sandwich for 30 minutes."

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering verb tenses is an essential part of the English language. By understanding the different types of verb tenses and practicing their usage, you can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes. Remember to use a dictionary or grammar book to check the verb tense, practice using verb tenses, and read and listen to English language materials to become more familiar with them.