English Grammar

Past verb 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.

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