5.expressing the future in english
DESCRIPTION
expressing the Future in EnglishTRANSCRIPT
SUBJ. + AFF form of AUX. will +
base form of the verb
SUBJ. + NEG. form of AUX. will +
base form of the verb
AUX. will + SUBJ. + base form of
the verb
SUBJ. + AFF. form of AUX. will +
BE + present pple. (verb + ing)
Expressing the future in English
1. FUTURE SIMPLE
1.1. Form
1.1.1. Affirmative
1.1.2. Negative
1.1.3. Interrogative
1.2. Uses
To talk about future happenings and situations (predicting the future)
e.g. I think the weather will be nice this afternoon.
When we decide to do something at the time of speaking
e.g. Oh no, I forgot. I will phone her now.
1.3. Helpful Hints
Expressions generally appearing in combination with the future simple: probably, I
expect, (I’m) sure, (I) think, (I) wonder, (I) don’t think...
Shall or the negative shall not (shan’t) can be used instead of will with the pronouns I and
we. However, shall is more frequently used in questions.
2. FUTURE CONTINUOUS
2.1. Form
2.1.1. Affirmative
(1) I will study English.
(2) He will probably get married.
(3) I won´t study English.
(4) He will not get married.
(5) Will you study English?
(6) Will she buy a house by the river?
(7) I will be watching TV.
(8) They will be having lunch.
SUBJ. + NEG. form of AUX. will + BE
+ present pple. (verb + ing)
AUX. will + SUBJ. + BE + present pple.
(verb + ing)
SUBJ. + AFF. form of AUX. will +
HAVE + past pple.
SUBJ. + NEG. form of AUX. will +
HAVE + past pple.
AUX. will + SUBJ. + HAVE + past
pple.
2.1.2. Negative
2.1.3. Interrogative
2.2. Uses
To describe an action or situation that you will be in the middle of at a given point in the
future, e.g. This time next week I’ll be on holiday. I’ll be lying on the beach.
3. FUTURE PERFECT
3.1. Form
3.1.1. Affirmative
3.1.2. Negative
3.1.3. Interrogative
3.2. Uses
To talk about an action which will already be complete before a time in the future, e.g.
We’re late. The film will have started by the time we get to the cinema.
3.3. Helpful Hints
Expressions generally appearing in combination with the future simple: by the time,...
(9) They won’t be studying.
(10) He won’t be doing the laundry.
(11) Will you be driving?
(12) Will your father be cooking at
this time tomorrow evening?
(13) I will have finished my project.
(14) He will have arrived home.
(15) They won´t have left the office.
(16) He won’t have cleaned the house.
(17) Will the film have finished?
(18) Will she have saved enough money?
SUBJ. + corresponding AFF. form of
AUX. be + GOING TO + base form of
the verb
SUBJ. + corresponding NEG. form of the
AUX. be + GOING TO + base form of
the verb
Corresponding form of AUX. be +
SUBJ. + GOING TO + base form of the
verb
4. BE GOING TO
4.1. Form
4.1.1. Affirmative
4.1.2. Negative
4.1.3. Interrogative
4.2. Uses
To talk about something we have already decided to do. We intend to do it, however, we
might not have arranged the specific details yet, e.g. I hear Sarah has won some money.
What is she going to do with it?
To say that ‘something is going to happen’ in the future, when we have evidence that
such thing is going to happen e.g. Look at those black clouds! It’s going to rain.
5. PRESENT CONTINUOS
5.1. Uses
We use the Present Continuous with a future meaning when we have already decided and
arranged to do something in a near future, e.g. What are you doing on Saturday evening?
I’m going to the theatre.
5. PRESENT SIMPLE
5.1. Uses
We use the Present Simple to talk about timetables, programmes, etc. E.g. The train
leaves at 11.30, so I need to be at the station by 11.15.
(19) I’m going to study Medicine.
(20) He is going to paint his house.
(21) I’m not going to go to the cinema.
(22) He isn’t going to meet his friends.
(23) Are you going to travel by train?
(24) Is she going to book a table at the
new restaurant?