English grammar
I thought / I was hoping (that)… would — the future seen from the past
Say what you expected or hoped at a moment in the past.
From the scene I thought it would be a surprise
In short
To say what you expected or hoped at a past moment, use thought, was hoping or never thought + would.
Your turn
Which one goes with was hoping + would?
Options: I never thought the florist would tell her · I was hoping nobody would find out · I thought it would be a surprise
Show answer
was hoping + would → I was hoping nobody would find out
How it works
To say what you expected or hoped at a past moment, use thought / was hoping / never thought + would: I thought it would be a surprise.
Good to know
I was hoping nobody would find out. It's the same would as in reported speech, but for thoughts and hopes rather than words.
thought + would I thought it would be a surprise
Javi
I ordered flowers for the new flat. I thought it would be a surprise.
Pedí flores para el piso nuevo. Pensaba que sería una sorpresa.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
I ordered flowers for the new flat. (blank).
Options: I never thought the florist would tell her · I thought it would be a surprise · I was hoping nobody would find out
Show answer
Javi
I ordered flowers for the new flat. I thought it would be a surprise.
Pedí flores para el piso nuevo. Pensaba que sería una sorpresa.
was hoping + would I was hoping nobody would find out
Javi
I was hoping nobody would find out.
Esperaba que nadie se enterara.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: I never thought the florist would tell her · I was hoping nobody would find out · I thought it would be a surprise
Show answer
Javi
I was hoping nobody would find out.
Esperaba que nadie se enterara.
never thought + would I never thought the florist would tell her
Javi
Yes. I never thought the florist would tell her.
Sí. Nunca pensé que la florista se lo contaría.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Yes. (blank).
Options: I never thought the florist would tell her · I thought it would be a surprise · I was hoping nobody would find out
Show answer
Javi
Yes. I never thought the florist would tell her.
Sí. Nunca pensé que la florista se lo contaría.
was hoping + would be I was hoping the move would be calm
Nuria
And I was hoping the move would be calm.
Y yo esperaba que la mudanza fuera tranquila.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And (blank).
Options: I thought it would be a surprise · I was hoping nobody would find out · I was hoping the move would be calm
Show answer
Nuria
And I was hoping the move would be calm.
Y yo esperaba que la mudanza fuera tranquila.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| thought + would | I thought it would be a surprise |
|---|---|
| was hoping + would | I was hoping nobody would find out |
| never thought + would | I never thought the florist would tell her |
| was hoping + would be | I was hoping the move would be calm |
More lines from the story
- JaviThat the flowers are for a wedding... ours.Que las flores son para una boda... la nuestra.
- NuriaHow sweet! So what's the problem?¡Qué bonito! ¿Y cuál es el problema?