The future indefinite tense (future simple)

The Future Indefinite tense is formed by means of the auxiliary verbs shall (the first person singular and plural) and will (the second and third person singular and plural) and the infinitive (without the particle to) of the notional verb.

For the first person singular and plural we can use shall or will. For the second or third person singular and plural we use will.

In spoken English the short forms I’ll, he’ll are used in affirmative sentences, I shan’t, he won’t in negative sentences.

Note I: When will is used in the first person, it expresses intention or deter­mination:

e.g. I will never do it again.

Shall in the second and the third person expresses:

a. order:

e.g. You shall do it immediately. He shall do what I say.

b. threat or warning:

e.g. If you walk without a hat you shall catch cold.

c. promise:

e.g. You shall have the book tomorrow.

Note 2: The modal verbs can, may, must, have no Future Indefinite tense

forms. The constructions to be able, to be allowed, to have to are used in this

case.

e.g. He’ll be able to help me. You’ll be allowed to swim in the river. I’ll have

to leave early.

The Future Indefinite is used to denote a future action.

a) It is used when we predict a future happening or a future situation.

e.g. When you return home, you’ll have a rest. This time next year I’ll be in

Japan.

Note: We use “going to” when there is something in the present situation that shows what will happen in the future (especially in the near future). The speaker feels sure about what will happen because of the situation now.

e.g. Look at those black clouds. It’s going to rain.

I feel terrible. I think I’m going to be sick.

b) It is often used with such words and expressions as: probably, to think, to expect, to fear, to believe, to hope, to be sure, to know.

e.g. I’m sure you’ll get a good mark.

We’ll probably go to the seaside in May. I hope he’ll write to us.

c) It is used when we decide to do something at the time of speaking:

e.g. Oh, I’ve left the door open. I’ll go and shut it.

“What would you like to drink?” “I’ll have some juice, please.”

d) It is used in the situations of offering to do something:

e.g. The bag looks heavy. I’ll help you with it.

Agreeing or refusing to do something:

e.g. “Can you give me your note-book?” “Of course. I’ll give it to you after

the lesson.”

The car won’t start (=the car “refuses” to start)

Promising to do something:

e.g. I promise I’ll call you when I come back.

Asking someone to do something:

e.g. Will you open the window, please? It’s stuffy here.

Note! We use shall in the questions “Shall I... ?”, “Shall we ... ?” (for offers, suggestions, advice etc.)

e.g. Shall I open the door? (=Do you want me to open the door?)

I’ve got no money. What shall I do? (=What do you suggest I do?)

Do not use the Future Indefinite talking about arrangements and intentions.

e.g. I am leaving on Tuesday, (not “I’ll leave on Tuesday.”)

Are you going to write your composition tonight? (not “will you write”)

For personal arrangements use the Present Continuous.

e.g. Tom is having dinner with Ann on Friday.

Use the Present Simple talking about timetables, programmes etc. (for exam­ple, for public transport, cinemas).

e.g. The football match starts at 8 o’clock.