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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")
(Click for Exercise) |
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