Future simple

The Future Simple is used:

• in predictions about the future situations usually with the verbs think, believe, expect, to be sure, to be afraid: to be certain and the adverbs perhaps, probably, certainly. E.g. I’m afraid we won’t be on time for the meeting.

• for on-the-spot-decisions. E.g. I’ll close the window. It is cold in here.

• for promises (with the verbs promise, swear, guarantee, etc.), threats, warnings, requests, hopes (with hope), and offers. E.g. I don’t understand this exercise. Will you explain it to me?

• for actions / events / situations which will definitely happen in the future and which we cannot control. E.g. The temperature will reach 40 C tomorrow.

• The future simple is used with the following expressions: tomorrow; the day after tomorrow; tonight; soon; next week; in a week; in two days, etc.

The Present Simple is used for future actions when we refer to programmes, timetables, etc. E.g. The bus arrives at 7:15.

The Present Continuous is used for actions we have decided and arranged to do in the near future. E.g. I’m flying to Lisbon tomorrow morning.

To be going to

To be going to is used:

• for plans, intentions or ambitions we have for the future. E.g. I’m going to employ more staff. (intention / plan) I’m going to expand my company. (intention / plan)

• in predictions when there is evidence that something will happen in the near future. E.g. Look at him He is going to win the race. (There is evidence: he is ahead of the other runners.)

Note.

• We use will when we make a prediction based on what we think, believe or imagine. E.g. In the year 2050 there will be colonies on Mars.

• We use be going to when we make predictions based on what we can see (evidence) or know. E.g. Look! The acrobat is going to walk along the tightrope.

Shall & will

• Will you…? to make request; that is, to ask someone to do something for us. E.g. Will you open the door for me, please? (=Can you open the door for me, please?)

• won’t to show that someone is unwilling or refuses to do something. E.g. I’ve talked to Sue about her decision to leave, but she won’t listen. (=She refuses to listen).

• Shall I / we …? 1) to make an offer E.g. Shall I give you a hand with those bags? (=Do you want me to give you a hand with the bags?) 2) to make a suggestion E.g. Shall we wait until the rain stop? (= Why don’t we wait until the rain stops?) 3) to ask for instructions or suggestions. E.g. ‘What shall I do with all these letters?’ – ‘Put them on my desk.’ (=What do you want me to do with all these letters?)

Time and Conditional Clauses

Study the following information.

• The future simple is not used in subordinate clauses of time and condition after while, when, after, before, till, until, as soon as, once, by the time, as, if, unless. We use the present simple or present perfect instead. E.g. I’ll wait until you finish / have finished. If you see him, tell him about the party.

• When and if can be followed by the future simple in the object clauses. E.g. I can’t tell you when he will be ready. I wonder if he will be on time.