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The Future Tense in English

English has several ways to express the future, and each method is used in different situations. Here are the most common ways to talk about future actions, events, or situations.

1. Future with “Will”

When to Use “Will”

  • Predictions about the future (things you think will happen):
    • Example: It will rain tomorrow.
  • Decisions made at the moment of speaking (spontaneous decisions):
    • Example: I’m hungry. I think I will order a pizza.
  • Promises, offers, and requests:
    • Example: I will help you with your homework.
    • Example: Will you marry me?
  • Future facts (something that is certain):
    • Example: The sun will rise at 6 AM.

Grammar Rule:

  • Affirmative:
    Subject + will + base verb
    Example: She will call you later.
  • Negative:
    Subject + will not (won’t) + base verb
    Example: I won’t forget your birthday.
  • Question:
    Will + subject + base verb?
    Example: Will they arrive on time?

2. Future with “Going to”

When to Use “Going to”

  • Plans and intentions: When you’ve already decided to do something:
    • Example: I’m going to start a new job next week.
  • Predictions based on present evidence: When you see something happening:
    • Example: Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain.

Grammar Rule:

  • Affirmative:
    Subject + am/is/are going to + base verb
    Example: They are going to travel to Spain.
  • Negative:
    Subject + am not/isn’t/aren’t going to + base verb
    Example: He isn’t going to study tonight.
  • Question:
    Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base verb?
    Example: Are you going to attend the meeting?

3. Future with the Present Continuous

When to Use the Present Continuous for the Future

  • Arrangements: When you have arranged or scheduled something, often with other people:
    • Example: I’m meeting Sarah tomorrow at 10 AM.
  • Definite plans: When something is set to happen soon:
    • Example: We’re leaving for the airport in an hour.

Grammar Rule:

  • Affirmative:
    Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing
    Example: She is having dinner with her friends tonight.
  • Negative:
    Subject + am not/isn’t/aren’t + verb-ing
    Example: They aren’t visiting the museum tomorrow.
  • Question:
    Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing?
    Example: Are you meeting John after work?

4. Future with the Present Simple

When to Use the Present Simple for the Future

  • Scheduled events: This is used when talking about timetables, schedules, or events that are part of a fixed program (e.g., transportation, events, formal schedules):
    • Example: The train leaves at 9:30 AM tomorrow.
    • Example: The meeting starts at 3 PM.

Grammar Rule:

  • Affirmative:
    Subject + base verb
    Example: The movie starts at 7 PM.
  • Negative:
    Subject + do/does not + base verb
    Example: The flight doesn’t depart until 10 PM.
  • Question:
    Do/Does + subject + base verb?
    Example: Does the store open at 9 AM tomorrow?

Summary: When to Use Each Form

Future FormUse CasesExample
WillPredictions, spontaneous decisions, promisesI will call you later.
Going toPlans and intentions, predictions based on evidenceI’m going to visit my grandparents.
Present ContinuousArranged or scheduled actionsShe is meeting her boss tomorrow.
Present SimpleTimetables, scheduled eventsThe plane leaves at 6 PM.

Future Simple Tense

English has several ways to express the future, and each method is used in different situations.

1 / 12

Which sentence uses "will" correctly?

2 / 12

Choose the correct sentence for a plan made in advance:

3 / 12

Which sentence is predicting something based on evidence?

4 / 12

What is the correct form for a scheduled event?

5 / 12

Choose the correct question form with "going to":

6 / 12

Which sentence uses the Present Continuous for a future arrangement?

7 / 12

Which of these sentences uses "will" to make a prediction?

8 / 12

What is the correct form for a spontaneous decision?

9 / 12

Which of the following uses the Present Simple to describe a timetable?

10 / 12

What is the correct sentence for an intention based on evidence?

11 / 12

Which sentence describes a decision made on the spot?

12 / 12

What is the correct question form for an arranged event using the Present Continuous?

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