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Unit 2
Grammar Practice Exercise

 
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Grammar check explanation:
The future-in-the-past can be a difficult structure to grasp. It is used to express an action or state to take place in the future--but from the point-of-view of a time in the past.

The structure is formed in two ways: one way is to combine the simple past tense form of the verb be and the infinitive form of the main or principle verb.

 
Subject
Past Form of verb Be
Infinitive of
main verb
Rest of sentence
 
Each member state was to have a vote in the General Assembly.

Instructions: In this exercise, put the verb in parentheses in the correct form of the future-in-the-past.

Example: The founding member-states decided that the Secretary-General (serve) _____a five-year term.

You will type in the correct form of the present perfect verb as shown below:
The founding member-states decided that the Secretary-General was to serve a five-year term.

Note: the above form cannot be used if preceded by the verb, "hope" (in the latter case, "would+ base form verb" must be used to express "future-in-the-past.

A second way to form the future-in-the-past is by combining the modal verb would (the past tense of the future of will) with the base form of the main verb.

 
Subject
Past Form of verb Be
Infinitive of
main verb
Rest of sentence
 
The Charter would oblige member-states to act on its decisions
Instructions: In this exercise, put the verb in parentheses in the correct form of the future-in-the-past:

Example: According to the new UN Charter, the Security Council (oblige)_________ member-states to act on its decisions.

You will type in the correct form of the future-in-the-past with would as shown below:
According to the new UN Charter, the Security Council would oblige member-states to act on its decisions.

Note: the above form can be used if preceded by the verb, "hope" (in the latter case, "would+ base form verb" must be used to express "future-in-the-past.
For example: "The founders hoped that member-states would abide by the Charter" (NOT "The founders hoped the member-states were to abide by the Charter")

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