The Future Tenses (I)

The Future Tenses (I)

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INTRODUCTION

In English, there are different ways to talk about the future depending on the context of the conversation. To make this easier for you, in this unit, we are going to learn four tenses, although two of them are already familiar.

THE FUTURE SIMPLE

The future simple is used to talk about: Predictions (with NO evidence) Spontaneous decisions Promises, offers & threats. Weather forecast.

EXAMPLES: I believe cars will fly in 2050. (how do we know?) -It's really cold in here. - No worries, I will turn the heater on for you. (spontaneous) I will call you later. (a promise) It will be sunny tomorrow. (weather forecast)

THE FUTURE SIMPLE: Structure

SUBJECT + WILL + VERB (iNF.)

Note that we can use the short form in informal environments. I'll be there. She'll study more.

I WILL BE THERE. SHE WILL STUDY MORE.

THE FUTURE SIMPLE: Structure

SUBJECT + Won't + VERB (iNF.)

Note that we use the long form in formal environments. I will not be there. She will not study more.

I won't BE THERE. SHE won't STUDY MORE.

THE FUTURE SIMPLE: Structure

WILL + SUBJECT + VERB (iNF.)?

NO SHORT forms here

will you be there? will she study more?

to be going to

The usage of to be going to + vb to talk about: Predictions (WITH evidence) Plans & intentions.

EXAMPLES: Look at that black cloud over there! It's going to rain. I am going to study in London next year.

to be going to : the structure

subject + to be (conj.) going to + verb

Basically, we need to 'play' with the verb to be.

I am going to study History next year. She is going to buy a new bike.

to be going to : the structure

subject + to be (negative conj.) going to + verb

Basically, we need to 'play' with the verb to be.

I am not going to study History next year. She isn't going to buy a new bike.

to be going to : the structure

to be (conj.) + subject+ going to + verb?

Basically, we need to 'play' with the verb to be.

Are you going to study History next year? Is she going to buy a new bike?

present continuous + present simple

The present simple is used for: Everything that's scheduled on in a timetable Lessons, movies, TV shows, plane/train departures The train leaves at 8.00. The training starts on Monday.

The present continuous is used for: Short term plans (100%) Arrangements I'm having dinner with my friends tonight She's leaving for New York tomorrow

how do I KNOW WHEN TO USE "TO BE GOING TO" OR PRESENT CONTINUOUS?

'To be going to' involves the idea of the plan. Sometimes the place or the date is not completely decided or the arrangements have not been made. It's related to medium - long term plans too.

Present continuous is a more definite plan, and less likely to be cancelled. It's usually related to short term plans.

Future SimpleTo be going to Future simple vs to be going to Future simple, to be going to, present continuous, present simple.