Future in the past describes events that were expected, planned, or predicted at a point in the past. These structures are essential for narrative writing, retrospective analysis, and expressing unfulfilled expectations.
Was/Were going to
Use was/were going to for past intentions or plans that may or may not have been fulfilled.
She was going to accept the offer, but changed her mind.
They were going to visit Senfarren, but the trip was canceled.
Was/Were to + infinitive
Use was/were to for formal arrangements or historical destiny that was predetermined.
The ceremony was to be held at Haffenbridge School.
This discovery was to become one of the most significant in modern science.
Was/Were due to + infinitive
Use was/were due to for scheduled events, especially in formal or journalistic contexts.
The flight was due to depart at 14:00.
The report was due to be published last Monday.
Common mistakes
Not "The meeting will be held yesterday." — say "The meeting was to be held yesterday.". Use 'was to be held' (future in the past), not 'will be held' when referring to a past arrangement.
Practise it
Think about whether the plan was fulfilled or not. 'Was going to' often implies it didn't happen. 'Was to become' often implies historical destiny.