Read the examples and match the columns
Future Tenses
- Future Simple
will + infinitive
We use the future simple:
1.1. to express a future fact: I'll be 10 next year.
1.2. to predict events in the future when predictions are based more on opinion rather than evidence: People will go to Mars on holidays soon.
1.3. to talk about decisions we make at the time of speaking: I'm tired. I'll go to bed.
1.4. for promises (as well as threats, warnings, hopes, fears): I'll help you./I won't leave you./I hope he won't lose the money./I'm afraid I'll be late.
1.5. for things we are uncertain about: Perhaps I'll go to the supermarket.
1.6. to make a suggestion or to ask for advice with the help of Shall I/we: Shall we invite Mrs Stone to our party?
We do not use the future simple after time words (when, before, after, as soon as, until, if, as, etc.): We'll have dinner as soon as dad comes home.
If when is a question word, we can use the future simple after it: When will dad come home?
- Future Continuous
will + -ing form
We use the future continuous:
2.1. for an activity that will be going on at a certain time in the future: This time next Sunday I will be travelling to Spain.
2.2. for a future event that will happen because it is a routine or an arrangement: I'll be playing chess with my friends on Friday night (we always play chess on Friday nights).
2.3. to ask somebody politely about their plans: Will you be using your car tonight?
- Future Perfect
will + past participle
We use the future perfect:
3.1. for an action that will be completed before a definite time in the future: I will have completed this project by next week.
- There are other forms used to express the future:
4.1. to be going to + infinitive for plans and intentions made before the moment of speaking: I'm going to become a writer.
4.2. to be going to + infinitive for predictions when there's evidence to support our predictions: Look at the boy! He's going to fall off his bike.
4.3. present continuous for fixed plans, especially when we know the time and the date: I'm working the night shift next week.
4.4. present simple for timetables and programmes: The plane leaves at 9 p.m.
- My parents think I'll become a famous architect.
- You have my word. I won't forget about your request.
- The train leaves not at 5 but at 4 tomorrow! Don't be late!
- Will you help me with the luggage, please?
- We're going to try some extreme activities this summer.
- Are you hungry? I really am. I'll have a bite in a cafe.
- I hope they won't do anything illegal!
- You'll be punished till the end of the week if you don't listen to me.
- I'm having a dentist's appointment for Wednesday afternoon.
| leaves | threat/warning |
| 'll be punished | promise |
| Will … help... ? | prediction |
| 'll have a bite | arrangement |
| 'm having an appointment | schedule |
| won't forget | request |
| 'll become | intention |
| 're going to try | fear |
| won't do | on-the-spot decision |