Aspects of the future

Present simple  Timetable/programme/scheduled or repeated events I have a German class next week.
The train leaves at 5.00 sharp every Friday evening.
 Temporal clauses after a time conjunction
When you arrive in Ireland, go directly to the hotel.
Present continuous  Events already arranged or definite (also future continuous – formal) We’re getting married in Spain on July 24th.
He’s going climbing in the Alps next winter.
 Avoid going to + go  going + -ing
Paula is taking her mother on her honeymoon!
 Surprising or unexpected events
Going to + infinitive  Predictions based on evidence/sth likely to happen Watch what you’re doing – you’re going to fall over.
I’m going to read Hamlet this weekend.
 Intentions or decisions
We’re going to get married, but we don’t know when.
Will + infinitive  Predictions based on past experience or opinion/forecasts I think she will enjoy it.
The tour will begin at 9.30 and you will need good
 Arrangements made in some detail (formal contexts)
walking shoes.
 Spontaneous decisions Yes, I’ll marry you!
 Offers/promises I think I’ll go to Paris next weekend.
I’ll help you plan the party.
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Future continuous  Event going on at a particular time or over a particular period I’ll be singing in the concert tomorrow.
She’ll be visiting us again in the fall.
 Something arranged previously
Will you be needing anything to drink, sir?
 Politeness
Future perfect  When sth will be completed He will have finished his thesis by next semester.

Future perfect continuous  How long sth has been going on for by a particular point I will have been watching television for hours when you
come home.
Be + infinitive  Official notices, newspapers, or reports (formal) Police officers are to visit every home in the area today.

Shall + infinitive  Instead of will with I & We (dated or literary) We shall certainly travel first class next time we go
abroad.
 Offers and suggestions
Shall I carry your bags?
Expressions  To be about to + infinitive The new app is about to be launched.
 To be on the verge of sth/doing sth The economy is on the verge of collapse!
 To be on the point of sth/doing sth She was on the point of leaving when her mother finally
 To be bound to + infinitive arrived.
 To be certain to + infinitive He’s bound to end up in jail since he’s so mindless.
 To be likely/unlikely to + infinitive Ashley’s been studying so hard. She’s certain to pass her
exams.
 To be on the brink of sth/doing sth
He’s likely to be very interested in what you offered him.
They’re unlikely to win the game tonight.
The Mexican wolf was on the brink of extinction.