Future Tense – Overview

Present Continuous (with a future meaning)

v. to be (am / is / are) + main verb + ing

Ex.: I’m having lunch with Ann on Sunday

 Used to say what somebody has already arranged or planned to do.

 Often used with principle verbs such as: come, go, begin, start, finish, have, etc.

More examples: - What are you doing on the weekend?

- I’m going to the movies with some friends.

He’s not coming home for Christmas this year.

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Be going to

v. to be (am / is / are) + going + main verb (to – infinitive)

Ex.: She is going to buy a new car

 Used to express planned events or intentions. These plans or intentions are decided

on before the moment of speaking.

 Used for future predictions based on physical (usually visual) evidence.

More examples: He’s going to study Chemistry at Yale.

All the movies on TV tonight are so bad… I’m going to watch something else.

If you’re not careful, you’re going to drop these dishes

Note:

'Be going to' or the Present Continuous (with a future meaning) are often both

correct for planned events.

 Will

will / will not (won’t) + verb (basic form)

 Used to talk about decisions made at the time of speaking.

 Used for future predictions based on opinions. Often used to talk about what

somebody thinks will happen.

Also used when:

 Offering to do something.

 Agreeing to do something.

 Promising to do something.

 Asking somebody to do something.

Examples: - The fridge is empty. We don’t have anything to eat…

- Really!?!?! I will go to the supermarket and buy something.

I don’t think she’ll pass the exams.

I’ll help you with the homework. Don’t worry.

He won’t do it again. He promised.

Will you please be quiet? You’re in a library!

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Present Simple (with a future meaning)

 Used to talk about timetables, programs, etc. (public transportation, movies, TV

programs, etc.).

 Used to talk about plans if they are fixed as timetables.

Examples: All the trains to London run every hour.

What time does the show begin?

I start my new job on Monday.