FUTURE

WILLThere are several ways to express future.

WILL + INFINITIVE

We use it when we decide to do something at the time of speaking. The speaker hasn’t decided before.

Let’s have a party. (Celebremos una fiesta) That’s a great idea. We’ll invite lots of people. (Es una gran

idea. Invitaremos a mucha gente)

We often use it with: Probably, I expect, I am sure, I think, I wonder…

I don’t think the exam will be very difficult. (No creo que el examen sea difícil)

We form it with the auxiliary will and the infinitive of the main verb.

They will arrive in Mars in 2030.

In negative we add “not” to will.

They won’t study maths after university.

Question and short answer:

Will you go? Yes, I will Will she work? No, she won’t

BE GOING TO

We use it when we have already decided to do something. Sue and I have decided to have a party.

We’re going to invite lots of people. (Sue y yo hemos decidido celebrar una fiesta. Vamos a invitar a mucha gente)

We use it to predict the future if we think this is going to happen because of the situation now. Look at these black clouds. It is going to

rain. (Mira esas nubes. Va a llover)

We form it with the present of the verb “to be”, going to and the infitive of the main verb.

They are going to learn Chinese next term.

Negative:

Mary isn’t going to build that house next summer.

Question and short answer:

Are you going to read? Yes, I am Is she going to dance? No, she isn’t

PRESENT CONTINUOUS & PRESENT SIMPLE

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

We use it when we have already decided and arranged to do something.  What are you doing on Saturday evening? (¿Qué vas a hacer el

sábado por la noche?) What time is Cathy arriving tomorrow? (¿A qué hora llega Cathy mañana?)

 PRESENT SIMPLE

We use it to talk about timetables, programmes…  

My train leaves at 11.30. (Mi tren sale a las 11.30) What time does the film begin this evening? (¿A qué hora empieza la

película esta noche?)