English : The future tenses

In English, we have different ways of talking about the future. We often use going to (+ infinitive), the present continuous (to be + -ing), will (+ infinitive) or the Present Simple. The structure we use depends on the function of what we want to say, whether we are talking about arrangements, plans, predictions, etc…

1. Future Simple

Formation: will/won’t + infinitive without to

Use: we use “will” to express a spontaneous decision, a promise, an offer or a prediction.

Example:

- I don’t know what to drink. Oh, I think I’ll have a cup of tea. (spontaneous decision)

- I’ll always love you! (promise)

- Emma, can you help me with my homework? Of course, I’ll do it! (I’m offering my help)

- In 100 years, the aliens will invade the earth. (prediction concerning a far future and uncertain event)

2. Be going to

Formation: to be + going to + infinitive without to

Use: we “be going to” to talk about future plans or predictions (based on some evidence).

Example:

- Dad is going to buy a new bike next week. (future plan: the decision has been made even if I don’t know the precise date and hour).

- Look at the sky! It’s going to rain. (prediction: based on evidence: the sky is full of grey clouds, I’m pretty sure it’s going to rain)

3. Present Continuous

Formation: to be + verb-ing

Use: we use the Present Continuous to express future arrangements that have already been fixed, most of the time there is a time and place.

Example:

- I’m playing tennis on Wednesday.

4. Present Simple

Use: we use the present simple to express a future event which is seen as being certain because of a timetable or a calendar. The event is scheduled.

Example:

- My train gets in at 11.00.