THE FLATMATES

Language point:
Future forms

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BBC Learning English – The Flatmates

The Flatmates - Language point – Future forms

You can see this language point online at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode09/languagepoint.shtml

We can use different forms to talk about future time in English, for example, will,
going to and shall.

We will look at other forms (present continuous, present simple and future
perfect) in another language point.

will + base verb

To make a prediction based on personal opinion
I think you'll love this film. It's got John Cusack in it.
She's convinced that the team won't win the cup.

Note: In spoken English will is usually shortened to 'll

To express a decision made at the moment of speaking

You go with Michal and I'll iron the shirts.
We've run out of sugar. I'll buy some later today.

To express future facts

Beijing will host the next Olympics.
The class will finish at 7:30 tonight.

In formal written style to express future events (often planned in detail)

This clinic will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday.
We are sorry there will be no deliveries of mail during next week's postal strike.

be + going to + base verb

To make a prediction based on present evidence
Look at those dark clouds, it's going to rain.
The traffic is terrible! We're going to be late.

To talk about plans already made

I'm going to see a film tonight (I've already bought my ticket).
I've been working hard all week so this weekend I'm not going to do anything at all!

shall + base verb

Used with 'we' or 'I' in formal situations or in writing
We shall be delighted to have you over for dinner.
I shall visit London from the 4th to the 7th of June.

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