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Future Tenses: Predictions/statements of Fact
Future Tenses: Predictions/statements of Fact
There are several different ways in English that you can talk about the future. This page is an
introduction to the most important ones:
- Predictions/statements of fact
- Intentions
- Arrangements
- Scheduled events
Predictions/statements of fact
The auxiliary verb will is used in making predictions or simple statements of fact about the
future.
Intentions
The auxiliary verb going to is used in talking about intentions. (An intention is a plan for the
future that you have already thought about.)
Note: going to is often used in the past tense to talk about an unfulfilled intention. Examples: I was
going to study for my grammar test, but I had no time. / He was going to call you, but he couldn't find his
mobile phone. / My grandmother was going to visit us, but she fell and broke her arm.
Arrangements
Scheduled events
The present simple tense is usually used to refer to future events that are scheduled (and
outside of our control).
More tenses
Below is a list of some of the less common tenses, followed in each case by examples. Note that
the continuous tenses convey the idea of an event or state going on for a period of time:
I have been working in the garden all day, and now I'm extremely tired.
She has been living in a one-room apartment since she left home.
How long have you been playing the piano?
He's been learning German for two years, but he still can't speak it very well.
We've been painting our house since last Friday, but we're still a long way from
finishing.
We haven't been living in Germany very long.
Why are you sweating? Have you been running?
I had been working in the garden all day, and all I wanted to do was sleep.
She had been living in a one-room apartment for a year before getting married.
How long had you been playing the piano before the accident with your hand?
He'd been learning German for two years, but he stopped when he returned to Japan.
We'd been painting our house for two weeks, but we were still a long way from
finishing.
Future continuous
At this time next week I will be sitting in the plane on the way to New York.
Don't call me after 10 o'clock. I'll be sleeping.
If you want to see Miho tomorrow, you will have to go to the school. She will be taking a
test all afternoon.
I won't be working on my car this weekend. My mother-in-law will be here.
Future perfect