Talking about the future
Learn about the different verb forms you can use to talk about the future.
When
we know about the future, we normally use the present tense.
1. We use
the present simple for
something scheduled:
We have a lesson
next Monday.
The train arrives at 6.30 in the morning.
The holidays start next week.
It's my birthday tomorrow.
2. We can
use the present continuous for plans
or arrangements:
I'm playing football
tomorrow.
They are coming to see us tomorrow.
We're having a party at Christmas.
3. We
use will:
- when
we express beliefs about the future:
It will be a
nice day tomorrow.
I think Brazil will win the World Cup.
I'm sure you will enjoy the film.
- to
mean want to or be willing to:
I hope you will come to
my party.
George says he will help us.
- to make
offers and promises :
I'll see you
tomorrow.
We'll send you an email.
- to talk
about offers and promises:
Tim will be at
the meeting.
Mary will help with the cooking.
4. We
use be going to:
- to
talk about plans or intentions:
I'm going to drive to
work today.
They are going to move to Manchester.
- to
make predictions based on evidence we
can see:
Be careful! You are going
to fall. (= I can see that you might fall.)
Look at those black clouds. I think it's going to rain. (=
I can see that it will rain.)
5. We
use will be with an -ing form for
something happening before and after a specific time in the future:
I'll be working at
eight o'clock. Can you come later?
They'll be waiting for you when you arrive.
6. We can
use will be with an -ing form instead
of the present continuous or be going to when we are
talking about plans, arrangements and intentions:
They'll be coming to
see us next week.
I'll be driving to work tomorrow.
7. We
often use verbs like would like, plan, want, mean, hope,
expect to talk about the future:
What are you going to do next
year? I'd like to go to university.
We plan to go to France for our holidays.
George wants to buy a new car.
8. We
use modals may, might and could when
we are not sure about the future:
I might stay at
home tonight or I might go to the cinema.
We could see Mary at the meeting. She sometimes goes.
9. We can
use should if we think there's a good chance of
something happening:
We should be home
in time for tea.
The game should be over by eight o'clock.
The future in time clauses and if-clauses
In time
clauses with words like when, after, until we often use present
tense forms to talk about the future:
I'll come home when I
finish work.
You must wait here until your father comes.
They are coming after they have had dinner.
In
clauses with if we often use present tense forms to
talk about the future:
We won't be able to go out if
it is raining.
If Barcelona lose tomorrow, they will be champions.
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We do not normally
use will in time clauses and if-clauses: I'll come home when I finish
work. (NOT but we
can use will if it means want to or be
willing to: I will be very happy if
you will come to my party.   |