EXPRESSING FUTURE

THERE ARE MANY WAYS OF EXPRESSING FUTURE

1) WILL
2) GOING TO
3) PRESENT CONTINUOUS
4) PRESENT SIMPLE
5) FUTURE CONTINUOUS
6) FUTURE PERFECT

Let‘s concentrate on the first three ways.

 will + infinitive

• I will have a cup of coffee and a cheesecake.

• I have just decided in the restaurant. – INSTANT DECISION

• I will find the right job one day.

• I think this will happen but I have no evidence. – PREDICTION WITHOUT EVIDENCE

• I will help you with these bags.

• I am offering my help. – OFFER

• I will call you as soon as I arrive.

• I promise to do that. – PROMISE
 Use:
For future actions which may or may not
happen.

We will visit Disney World

one day.
For threats or warnings.

Stop or I will shoot.

 On the spot decisions
I left the door open. I will close it
right now.

What would you like to drink?

I will have a cup of coffee,

please.

Did you call Sue?

No, I forgot it.

I will call her tonight.

 Offer

Don’t worry. I’ll help you with

your homework.

Promise

I will love you forever.

Prediction

You will be rich.

 • With the verbs: hope, think, believe, expect …
• The expressions: I’m sure, I’m afraid…
• The adverbs: probably, perhaps etc.

I am hungry.
I think I’ll have a sandwich.

He will probably stay at

home.
Time expressions: tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, next
week, next year, tonight, soon, in a week/year etc.

I’ll drive my new motorbike next week.

I will phone my best friend tonight.
I’ll read a novel soon.
 be going to + infinitive

• I am going to visit my grandma.

• This is what I have planned. – PLAN OR INTENTION – I have already decided.

• It is going to rain. Look at those black clouds!

• I am referring to evidence and making prediction. – PREDICTION BASED ON EVIDENCE
 PLAN OR INTENTION

They are going to

see a doctor
PREDICTION BASED ON EVIDENCE

She is going to have a

baby
 present continuous

• I am staying at the Astoria Hotel.

• We are getting married in July.
• I have already booked my stay/ reserved the church. – FUTURE ARRANGEMENT*

*Another person or organisation is involved

 FUTURE ARRANGEMENT

We are having
party
on Friday.
Will Going To
For future actions which
may or may not happen.
PLAN OR Present
For threats or warnings. INTENTION Continuous
On the spot decisions FUTURE
Offer ARRANGEMENT
Promise PREDICTION
Prediction
With the verbs: hope, think, BASED ON
believe, expect … EVIDENCE
The expressions: I’m sure,
I’m afraid…
The adverbs: probably,
perhaps etc.
Time expressions:
tomorrow, the day after
tomorrow, next week, next
year, tonight, soon, in a
week/year etc.