The Future

The future

START

introduction

In English there are several ways of describing future actions. The structure we use depends on the function of what we want to say, whether we are talking about arrangements, plans, predictions, timetables etc..

Future will

20.

CONTENTS

04.

Future be going to

09.

Be going to vs. present continuous

14.

Present continuous for future

15.

Present simple for future

future be going to

Affirmative form

Question form

Negative form

Ex.: He's going to fall! Look at those black clouds! It's going to rain.

When do we use it?

1) to talk about intentions

Ex.: I'm going to eat kebab tonight

2) to make predictions based on present evidence (= what we can see in the present).

PRESENT CONTINUOUSFOR FUTURE

Affirmative form

Question form

Negative form

When do we use it?

To talk about future plans and programmed events

Ex.: 1) We're eating pizza next Tuesday. 2) What are you doing tonight?

Ex.: Next spring I'm visiting Paris (=I have booked my flight, the hotel, etc.)

Be going to vs. present continuous

Be going to = just intentions, things I want to do in the future but I haven't organised yet.

Ex.: Next spring I'm going to visit Paris (= I would like to go, but I haven't booked a flight or a hotel).

Present continuous = fixed plans for the future,things I have already organised.

PRESENT SIMPLEFOR FUTURE

Affirmative form

Question form

Negative form

When do we use it?

To talk about work schedules and school and transport timetables.

Ex.: 1) The train for Chieri leaves at 3.30. 2) Does the English class finish at 9.00 a.m?

future will

Affirmative form

Question form

Negative form

Ex.: I think you will become a ballet dancer. We won't survive a zombie apocalypse.

When do we use it?

1) to talk about decisions we take at the moment of speaking

Ex.: I'm thirsty. I'll have a Coke.

2) to make predictions based on our personal opinion (= what we think or guess).

Ex.: If you do that , I will get really angry. I won't touch your chocolate again, I promise.

When do we use it? (2)

3) for polite offers and requests

Ex.: Will you carry these for me, please? I'll help you with your homework.

4) for promises, threats and warnings

REMEMBER!

In time clauses, after conjunctions such as when, after, before, until, as soon as, etc., we use present tense forms and not will to describe future actions.

Ex.: As soon as you finish (NOT you will finish), join us at Rachel's house. After they eat sushi , they'll go to the cinema.

future continuous

Affirmative form

Question form

Negative form

When do we use it?

To talk about actions in progress at a specific time or for a limited time in the future

Ex.: 1)Tomorrow I' ll be lying on the beach drinking piña colada. 2) For the next few months we will be going to work by scooter.

future perfect

Affirmative form

Question form

Negative form

When do we use it?

To talk about actions that will (or will not) be completed by a certain time in the future.

Ex.: 1) By the end of the week, I' ll have finished the book. 2) They won't have eaten all the cake by this evening.