EXPRESSING FUTURE IN ENGLISH

The Present Continuous

* When we are talking about arrangements/plans in the future. We should mention the time.

A: What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?B: I’m playing tennis with Tom.I’m not going out tonight. I’m staying at home. * It’s also possible to use “going to” in these

sentences. But the present continuous is usually more natural when we are talking about arrangements.

Present Simple

• When we are talking about “timetables, progammes...etc..for public transport, cinemas...

- What time does the film start?

- The bus leaves Plymouth at 1.30 and arrives in London a 13.45

- What time does your train leave?

- The football match starts at 8.00 o’clock.

Going to future

1) Future decisions, taken before the time of speaking-A: There is a film on television tonight. Are you going to

watch it?B: No, I’m tired. I’m going to have an early night.-A: Have you made coffee yet?B: No, but I’m just going to make it.2) Predictions about the future from evidence in the

present.- Look at those black clouds. It’s going to rain!- Oh dear! It’s 9 o’clock and I’m not ready. I’m going to

be late.

Will

1) For a sudden decision made at the time of speaking.A: Don’t forget it’s Jo’s birthday tomorrow.B: Is it? O.K. I’ll send her a card this afternoon.2) For promises.A: Don’t forget to phone us.B: Don’t worry. I’ll phone you every day.3) For offers.Those bags are too heavy. I’ll carry one for you.4) Asking someone to do somethingWill you shut the door, please?Will you please be quiet? I’m trying to concentrate

5) With clauses of condition and time:If my marks are good, I’ll get a place at universiyI’ll phone you as soon as/when I get home.6) I think I’ll .... / I don’t think I’ll....I’m tired. I think I’ll go the bed early tonight.It’s raining. I don’t think I’ll go out.7) Predictions about the future:I think Ruth will pass her exam without much difficulty.8) We often use “will” with these words or expressions:Probably: I’ll probably be a bit late this evening(I’m) sure: You must meet Ann. I’m sure you’ll like her(I) expect: I expect Carol will get the job.9) A planned schedule Classes will begin on the first of the month

Future Perfect: will have + past part.• * For a completed action at a specific time in the

future. To express that something will already have happened before a certain time in the future.

Have a look at this situation:

Tom and Ann are going to the cinema. The film begins at 7.30 and it is already 7.20. And it will take them 20 minutes to get there.

When they get there, the film will have already started.

- By the end of next week, we will have done our half term exam.

Future Continuous: Will be - ing• For an action in progress at a specific time in the future. Have

a look at this situation:

I’m going to watch television from 9 until 10 o’clock this evening.

So at 9.30 I will be watching television.

• We often use Will you be – ing? to ask about people’s plans, especially when you want something or want someone to do something

Will you be using your bicycle this evening?

No, you can take it

Will you be passing the chemist’s when you go out?

Yes, why?