Expressing the Future

Quick Reference Guide

Present Simple
1. In sentences that concern events that are on a definite schedule
or timetable. These sentences usually contain future words. Only a
few verbs are used in this way, eg: to be, open, close, begin, start,
end, finish, arrive, come, leave, return.
Present Continuous
1. In sentences that concern a definite
plan or arrangement. These sentences
usually contain future words, or the
future is understood from the context.

The train LEAVES Gorzów at 9pm tonight. Mietek IS TAKING his CAE exam next
year.
Joanna STARTS work next week.
They can’t play tennis with you tomorrow.
Tomorrow IS Thursday. They’RE WORKING.

We’RE GOING to the cinema on Friday.

Be Going To Will
1. When the speaker is making a prediction based on evidence
evidence. 1. When the speaker is making a
prediction.
There’s a cloud in the sky. It’S GOING TO rain.
Tomorrow WILL BE hot and sunny.
2. When the speaker already has an intention or plan.
People WILL GO to Mars in the next
We’RE GOING TO paint our bedroom tomorrow. decade.

Szymon has won the lottery. He says he’S GOING TO go to buy a 2. When the speaker decides to do
house in Skwiezyna. something at the time of speaking
speaking. He
had no previous plan. Spontaneous.

Hold on. I’LL GET a pencil.

We WILL SEE what we can do to help

you.

Maybe we’LL STAY IN and WATCH

television.
 EXERCISES
FUTURE FORMS QUIZ
Choose the correct future form to complete the sentences below. Once you have decided on your answer, click on the arrow to
check your answer.

I'm hungry - Oh, I -- (make) you a sandwich.

He -- (study) Law at Sheffield University next year.

Oh darling! I love you so much, -- (you/marry) me?

The flight -- (leave) at 7 p.m.

Look at those clouds! It -- (rain) any minute.

Jack -- (meet) Kim tomorrow afternoon.

I think he -- (be) very successful.

When -- (visit) me next year?

Class -- (begin) at 9, it -- (begin) at 10.

As soon as she arrives in Berlin she -- (give) you a call.

Look at those clouds on the horizon! It is -- (rain) soon.

Who do you think -- (win) the next national elections?

We are -- (fly) to Warsaw next week for a meeting with the advisory board.

I promise you: I -- (finish) my homework on time next week.

I'll take this letter to the post office when I -- (go) into town this afternoon.