THE FUTURE TENSE
The future tense is used to express a future action. We distinguish between the future simple, the "to be going to" future and the future progressive (continuous).
THE FUTURE SIMPLE
WILL + VERB INF.
For the negative form add 'not' between will and the main verb
It is used:
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to express an intention with no definite plan
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for future plans being made at the moment of speaking
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to express a prediction, often with I think, expect, wonder, suppose . . . or perhaps, probably ...
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when a condition is attached
We also need to make a distinction between future simple for a decision that is not "premeditated," i.e. that is made on the spot (here and now or there and then), and the "going to" construction, which implies an intention that already existed before the moment of speaking.
Examples:
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I'll have my new car next month.
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I think they will be on time.
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If he asks me, I will refuse.
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How can I reach you? I will give you my telephone number.
(You would not say "I'm going to give you my telephone number," as this is a decision you make here and now, and not something you had earlier intended to do).
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I'm going to give John my phone number, so he can reach me if necessary."
(Talking about your intentions — something you decided to do yesterday or intended to do all along.)
Time markers:
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tomorrow
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next week/ year/ time/ Saturday etc
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soon
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"To be going to" FUTURE
TO BE GOING TO + VERB INF.
For the negative form add 'not' after the auxiliary to be conjugated in the present
It is used to express:
- plans previously arranged
- not for sudden intentions or decisions: Mr Brown's phone number? Wait, I'll look it up for you.
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prediction of future events from what we know of the circumstances
Examples:
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I'm going to take a few days off as soon as I can.
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She's going to have a baby.
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(Seeing dark clouds in the sky) It's going to rain.
Time markers:
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tomorrow
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next week/ year/ time/ Saturday etc
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soon
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FUTURE PROGRESSIVE (CONTINUOUS)
WILL + VERB+"ING"
For the negative form add 'not' between will and the main verb
It is used to express:
- something in progress at a future point of time
- to avoid something sounding like a refusal in negative sentences
- to avoid something sounding like a request in questions
- when we anticipate something without really arranging it
Examples:
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This time next week I'll be lying on a sunny beach.
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I won't be coming to your party, as I'm engaged elsewhere.
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Will you be using your car this afternoon?
- I will be writing you soon.
Time markers:
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tomorrow
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next week/ year/ time/ Saturday etc
-
soon
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The Future Tense - Prezi presentation