EXPRESSING FUTURE IN ENGLISH

We can express “future” in English by using:• A) The present continuousA: Tim and Gina are getting married next

weekend?B: Are you going to the wedding?• B) Be going to I am going to study law.• C) Will- inf A: What would you like to drink? B: I will have coffee, please

The Present Continuous

* When we are talking about arrangements/plans in the future. We should mention the time.

A: What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?B: I’m playing tennis with Tom.I’m not going out tonight. I’m staying at home. * It’s also possible to use “be going to” in these

sentences. But the present continuous is usually more natural when we are talking about arrangements.

Be Going to future

1) Future decisions, taken before the time of speaking-A: There is a film on television tonight. Are you going to

watch it?B: No, I’m tired. I’m going to have an early night.-A: Why are you filling that bucket with water?B: I’m going to wash the car.2) Predictions about the future from evidence in the

present.- Look at those black clouds. It’s going to rain!- Oh dear! It’s 9 o’clock and I’m not ready. I’m going to

be late.

Will-inf

1) For a sudden decision made at the time of speaking.A: Don’t forget it’s Jo’s birthday tomorrow.B: Is it? O.K. I’ll send her a card this afternoon.2) For promises.A: Don’t forget to phone us.B: Don’t worry. I’ll phone you every day.3) For offers.Those bags are too heavy. I’ll carry one for you.4) Asking someone to do somethingWill you shut the door, please?Will you please be quiet? I’m trying to concentrate

5) With clauses of condition and time:

If my marks are good, I’ll get a place at universiy

I’ll phone you as soon as/when I get home.

6) I think I’ll .... / I don’t think I’ll....

I’m tired. I think I’ll go the bed early tonight.

It’s raining. I don’t think I’ll go out.

7) Predictions about the future:

I think Ruth will pass her exam without much difficulty.

8) We often use “will” with these words or expressions:

Probably: I’ll probably be a bit late this evening

(I’m) sure: You must meet Ann. I’m sure you’ll like her

(I) expect: I expect Carol will get the job.

PRESENT SIMPLE to express future:

When we talk about “timetables, programmes..etc for public transport, cinemas…

The bus leaves Plymouth at 1.30 and arrives in London at 13.45

What time does the film start?

FUTURE CONTINUOUS: will be -ing1) To say that we will be in the middle of doing

something at a certain time in the future. This time next week, we will be sitting in class again, we

will be learning English 2) To talk about things which are already planned or

decided (similar to am doing) I’ll be going to the city centre later. Can I get you

anything?We often use “will you be..ing?” to ask about people’s

plans, especially when we want something or want someone to do something:

• A- Mum, Will you be using the car this afternoon?• B- Not, really. Why?• A- Can I take it, please? We…..

FUTURE PERFECT: Will have doneTo say that something will already have

happened before a certain time in the future.

Jim goes to bed at 11 o’clock. Tom is going to visit him at 11.30 this evening. When Tom arrives, Jim will have gone to bed.

Think about your future. What do you think you will have done by year 2030?