B1 Spanish grammar
Future in the Past in Spanish with the Conditional
From a past viewpoint, a later event is often expressed with the conditional. Spanish also commonly uses iba a plus an infinitive when reporting an earlier plan.
future in the past Spanish: Report a later event from the past
Use the conditional when a past speaker or thinker viewed an event as future.
Dijo que volvería al día siguiente.Quick check
She thought it would rain.
Use iba a for an earlier plan
Imperfect ir a plus infinitive often reports a plan or intention held in the past.
Pensaba que iba a viajar en junio.Express probability about a past moment
The conditional can express a guess about a past situation, much as the future can express a guess about the present.
Serían las once cuando llegó.Common mistakes
Dijo que volverá al día siguiente. (past viewpoint maintained)
Dijo que volvería al día siguiente.
The conditional preserves the future-in-the-past relationship.
Pensaba que voy a viajar en junio pasado.
Pensaba que iba a viajar en junio.
The plan is viewed from the past, so ir is imperfect.
Serán las once ayer.
Serían las once cuando llegó.
A conjecture about a past time uses the conditional.
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Future in the past FAQ
What does future in the past cover?
From a past viewpoint, a later event is often expressed with the conditional. Spanish also commonly uses iba a plus an infinitive when reporting an earlier plan.
What is the first rule to remember?
Use the conditional when a past speaker or thinker viewed an event as future.
What is another important B1 pattern?
Imperfect ir a plus infinitive often reports a plan or intention held in the past.
How can I practise future in the past Spanish?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.