The Future

Form Function Example

Present Continuous future plans/arrangements when I am seeing my mother tonight.
Be +Ving details have been decided (e.g. What are doing tonight? – I’m
time and/or place) having dinner with Michael.

be going to + infinitive 1. Future plans/decisions when
no details have been decided
2. Predictions based on what you
can see/hear now
1) They are going to get married
next month.
2) I’ve got a terrible sense of
direction. I know I am going to
get lost.

Present Simple 1. Timetables, regulations, 1) The train arrives at 8.37 am

V, V+s (es) programmes, etc. tomorrow.
2. Future time clauses (as soon 2) I will call you as soon as I am
as, before, after, when, until, if, free.
etc.)

Future Simple 1. Instant decisions 1) I’m very tired. I’ll go to bed.

will/shall + V 2. Promises, offers, requests, 2) I will always help you.
threats You shall regret about that!
3) Predictions based on what you 3) This will make you feel
know/believe (think, hope, sleepy.
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believe, etc.)
Future Continuous 1. Actions in progress at a given 1) I will be living in Australia this
will + be + Ving time in the future time next year.
 2) in questions to ask about 2) Will you be using a laptop
smb.’s plans, especially when tomorrow?
you want something or want
them to do something

Future Perfect something will be completed In October I will have been

will + have+ Ved/V3 before a given time in the married for 10 years.
future (by that time, by this time
next year, by….)

be + bound + infinitive something certain or something It’s bound to be sunny again

is likely to happen tomorrow.
You’ve done so much work – you
are bound to pass the exam.
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