TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE

Present continuous
Used for arrangements; very firm plans. The plan is 99% likely to be happening, unless
something unexpected happens.
Ex: On Sunday, I’m having dinner with my friends (at 9pm, Hard Rock Café, with Mary and
Shaun)

Be going to + verb (base form)

Used for:
 Plans not as strong as the previous ones, there might be changes
Ex: On Sunday, I’m going to have dinner with my friends (I’ve talked to some friends
about it but we haven’t arranged the details yet).
 Predictions based on present, physical evidence
Ex: Watch the glass! Someone left it on the edge of the table and it’s going to fall off.

Future simple: will

Used for:
 Predictions about the future (no physical evidence)
Ex: On Sunday, I’ll have dinner with my friends (I haven’t even talked to them about it,
but we go for dinner many Sundays).
 Decisions made at the moment of speaking.
Ex: A - “We´re having a party tomorrow at my place”. B - “Sounds fun, I’ll be there!”
 Promises.
Ex: A – “You can’t keep forgetting the keys!” B – “Don’t worry, I won’t forget them
again”.
 Voluntary offers.
Ex: A – “Are you busy tomorrow? I need somebody to pick me up from the school.” B –
“I’m free, I’ll pick you up.”

Present simple
Used for timetabled future events; things that happen at specific time, usually public transport,
classes, etc.
Ex: The next train leaves at 3 pm.

Future continuous
Used for activities which are in progress at a future time; in other words, an action that is not
complete at that time.
Ex: On Monday at this time I’ll be flying to Bahamas.

Future perfect
Used for actions completed before a specific future time; usually used with “by”.
Ex: By 4 pm, they’ll have finished the meeting.

www.coollearningonline.com  info@coollearningonline.com  91 126 7172  Av. Dehesa 17, S. Sebastián de los Reyes