The Future

The future
USE

There are different ways of referring to the future in English:

Present Continuous

-To refer to arrangements for events whose preparations

have already happened;
-For departures and arrivals.
USED

I am leaving for Africa in the morning.

VERB TO BE IN THE PRESENT

SIMPLE + MAIN VERB + ING
 The future
USE

Future with going to

-To refer to plans and intentions;

-To make predictions based on present evidence.

USED
I am going to fix the Internet connection this weekend.

“BE” + GOING TO + INFINITIVE OF THE MAIN VERB

 The future
USE

Future Simple

-To predict a future event;

-To express a spontaneous decision;
-To make a suggestion;
USED
-To express (un)willingness;
-For offers, promises, request and refusals.

They will bring more magazines next time.

 Future Simple
AFFIRMATIVE FORM

They will
will bring more magazines next time.

MODAL VERB WILL + INFINITIVE WITHOUT “TO”

Shall is slightly dated but

I/ we will bring / shall bring
can be used instead of will
with I/we.
Shall is mainly used with I
and we to make an offer or
suggestion or to ask for
advice.

You/ he/ she/ it/ you/ they will bring

 Future Simple
NEGATIVE FORM

will not
They will not bring more magazines next time.

MODAL VERB WILL + NOT + INFINITIVE WITHOUT “TO”

I/ we will not (won’t)/ shall not bring (shan’t bring)

You/ he/ she/ it/ you/ they will not (won’t)

 Future Simple
INTERROGATIVE FORM

Will they
they bring
bring more magazines next time?

MODAL VERB INFINITIVE WITHOUT

+ SUBJECT +
WILL “TO”

Will/ Shall I/ we/ bring…?

Will I/ he/ she/ it/ you/ they bring…?

Choose the most suitable future form.

1. They will not change/

change are not going to change/ are not changing
the headlines. They are reluctant to change their minds.

2. Which programme are you watching/ are you going to watch

watch/ will
you watch on TV tonight?

3. The trip is already scheduled. She will leave/ is going to leave/

is leaving to France to play the role of a scientist in a new movie.
Choose the most suitable future form.

4. The sources of the article are not going to give/ will not give/ are
will not give
not giving their true names. They are not prepared for it.

5. Is he going/ Is he going to go/ Will he go to the talk show

Is he going
tomorrow?

am going to rewrite
6. I will rewrite/ am going to rewrite/ am rewriting the lead of the
article this afternoon.
Complete the following sentences with the most suitable
verb form to refer to the future.

1. The actors __________________

are preparing (prepare) a welcome soirée for James
tonight. Everything seems almost ready for him.

2. You are the one who __________________

is going to operate (operate) the microphones!

3. Don’t worry, the audience __________________

won’t leave (leave) until we tell them.

4. I believe that this article __________________

will convince (convince) people of the
harmful effects of TV.

5. As planned, the talk show __________________

is going to be (be) a combination of
humour, talk and entertainment.

6. They say that this actor __________________

will win (win) an Academy Award
this year.