FUTURE TENSES

USES FORM EXAMPLES

I. TALIKING ABOUT THE FUTURE

S + will + V (Future
1. Neutral future The church bell will ring at 6 a.m tomorrow.
Simple)

S + will + V Claire’s trip will be a big rush.

2. A prediction
S + be going to + V Claire’s trip is going to be a big rush.

3. A prediction based on
S + be going to + V This bag isn’t very strong. It’s going to break.
the present

S + will + V I think the world will end in the year 2050.

4. A less certain
prediction
It’s probably going to be cold in New York.

5. The very near future S + be about to + V My mom is about to clean the living room.

6. A future action over a S + will be V-ing (Future

I will be doing my homework tomorrow evening.
period Continuous)
7. Something that will be S + will have + PP (Future
Mrs. Thu will have written 20 pages after 3 hours.
over in the future Perfect)

II. INTENTIONS AND PLANS

1. An instant decision
S + will + V The phone is ringing. I’ll get it.
(deciding now)
2. An intention
(something already S + be going to + V I’m going to visit Mrs. Thu at the weekend.
decided)

S + will + V I think I’ll buy this hat, too.

3. A less certain decision
or intention
S + might + V I might go to a show.

4. A past intention S + was/were going to V I was going to tidy the flat, but I didn’t have time.
 S + be (am/is/are) + V-ing
5. An arrangement We’re having a party tomorrow.
(Present Continuous)

6. In the course of events S + will be + V-ing I’ll buying some presents, too.

7. An official
S + be to + V The Queen is to visit Portugal in November.
arrangement
I/you/we/they + V
8. A timetable My plane leaves at six.
He/She/It + V(s/es)