HOW TO TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE

In English it is appropriate to say that we can rely on several

structures for talking about the FUTURE, rather than say that

there is a FUTURE TENSE.

In fact, when talking about a future action/event we can rely on a

multiplicity of forms and structures, depending on the MODUS of

the speaker.

1) WILL/SHALL - MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS:

both epistemic ( because indicates prediction) modality and dynamic modality to express willingness

will is used to talk about prediction, to decide something suddently

1. A. What would you like to drink? B. I’ll have a Martini. Sudden decision

2. I promise. I will call you as soon as I arrive at the hotel.

3. Will you marry this man? Yes, I will. willingness

4. Tomorrow it will rain in the southern parts of the country. prediction

5. Knowing what he’s like, I reckon he’ll soon lose his temper.

2) BE + ING

When you are certain an event will take place you use im going to

1) “I’m playing tennis with George, tomorrow” (we are not sure i twill happen)

domani gioco a tennis…

VS

2) “I’m going to play tennis with George, tomorrow” (intention to do something)

Ho intenzione di giocare a tennis…

“DIARY” FUTURE

VS

INEVITABLE/UNESCAPABLE EVENT VS UNSTOPPABLE

PROCESS (i use i am going to)

- Aiuto, aiuto, mi ammazza!!!

-Help! He’s going to kill me. (a meno che qualcuno non intervenga verra killato, ecco perché usiamo going
to)

Good news folks! Mum hits the road first thing tomorrow in the

morning! (Simple present for actions that will take place in the future but are altrady planned)

- I’ll be eating in the canteen, tomorrow. (To put emphasis on my subjectivity and my intention)

Vs.

- I’ll eat in the canteen, tomorrow.( it is a prediction)

- I’m eating in the canteen tomorrow.( emphasis on my subjectivity)

- I’m going to eat in the canteen tomorrow. (Prediction more neutral)

- Will you be eating in the canteen, tomorrow? (subjectivity)

Vs.

- Will you eat in the canteen, tomorrow? (prediction, when you ask for info neutrally)