The Future Indefinite in the Past describes an action that was future from the point of view of the past.
Formation of the Future Indefinite
#1. The Future Indefinite in the Past is formed by means of the auxiliary verbs should, and would and the infinitive without to of the notional verb.
Should is used for the first person singular and plural.
Would is used for the second and the third person singular and plural.
#2. In the interrogative form, the auxiliary verb is placed before the subject. And in the negative form the negative particle not is placed after the auxiliary verb.
| Affirmative | Interrogative | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| I should work He would work She would work We should work You would work They would work |
Should I work? Would he work? Would she work? Should we work? Would you work? Would they work? |
I should not work He would not work She would not work We should not work You would not work They would not work |
#3. The contracted affirmative forms are:
I’d work
He’d work
The contracted negative forms are:
I shouldn’t work
He wouldn’t work
#4. The negative-interrogative forms are:
Should I not work? = Shouldn’t I work?
Would he not work? = Wouldn’t he work?
Use of the Future Indefinite
The Future Indefinite in the Past denotes an action that was future from the point of view of the past.
I was sure he would agree with me.