THE FUTURE

FORM USAGE COMMENTS EXAMPLES

will

INTENTION

When we decide to do

sth at the time of

speaking

* You cannot use the present simple in these sentences

A: Did you phone Lucy? B: Oh no, I forgot. Ill phone her now.

-We often use I think Ill and I dont think Ill

I feel a bit hungry. I think Ill have something to eat.

Offering

to do sth

That bag looks heavy. Ill help you with it.

Agreeing

to do sth

A: Can you give Tim this book? B: Sure, Ill give it to him as soon as I see him.

Promising to do sth

I wont tell anyone what happened, I promise.

Asking sb to do sth

You can use wont to say that sb refuses to do sth. We can also use wont when the subject is not a person.

Will you please turn the stereo down? Im trying to concentrate. Ive tried to give her advice, but she wont listen. / The car wont start.

PREDICTION

When we are simply giving

information about the

future, or predicting future

events which are not

already decided (based

on our opinion or

experience) (there is no

reason to use a present

continuous or going to)

We often use will with: -probably/perhaps -I expect -(Im) sure/afraid -(I) think -(I) dont think -I wonder

Ill probably be home late tonight / I havent seen Carol today. I expect shell phone this evening / Dont worry about the exam. Im sure youll pass / A: Do you think Kate will pass the exam? - B: Yes, shell pass easily. / I wonder what will happen

*After I hope, we generally use the present (will is also possible)

I hope it doesnt rain tomorrow (or I hope it wont rain )

be going to

PREDICTION

When we say that sth is

going to happen, the

situation NOW makes it

clear.

Look at those black clouds! Its going to rain / The economic situation is bad now and things are going to get worse.

INTENTION

When we have already

decided to do sth, we

intend to do it.

Often the difference is very small and either form is possible, but the present continuous is more natural for arrangements.

A: I hear Sarah has won some money. What is she going to do with it? B: Shes going to buy a new car.

present continuous

When we have arranged

to do sth, e. g., arranged

to meet sb, arranged to

go somewhere. We often

give the time, date

and/or place. As it refers

to personal arrangements,

the subject of the verb

should be a person or

people and not a thing.

What time are you meeting Ann this evening? / Im leaving tomorrow. Ive got my plane ticket.

You can also use the

present continuous for an

action just before you begin to do it.

This happens especially with verbs of movement (go/come/leave etc.)

Im tired. Im going to bed now / A: Tina, dinners ready B: Coming!

present simple

When we talk about

timetables, programmes,

etc. (for public transport,

cinemas, )

My train leaves at 11.30 and arrives in Paris at 20.45 / Tomorrow is Sunday

You can use the present

simple to talk about

people if their plans are

fixed like a timetable

What time do you finish work tomorrow? / Helen starts her new job on Monday.