Let’s learn how to talk about future events in English.
There are three ways to talk about the future in the Simple Tense. Sometimes, all three ways can be used interchangeably. However, they have slightly different meanings that sound strange when used incorrectly.
Learn and practice talking about the future in three different ways in English.
HOW TO TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE – Sentence Structure
The three ways are to use, 1. the modal verb ‘will’, 2. the verb ‘to be’ + ‘going to’, and 3. to use the Present Continuous for future.
Future with Will:
Subject + will + base form of a verb
Subject + won’t + base form of a verb
Will + subject + base form of a verb
Future with Going to:
Subject + ‘to be’ + going to + base form of a verb
Subject + ‘to be’ + not + going to + base form of a verb
‘To be’ + subject + going to + base form of a verb
Present Continuous for Future:
Subject + ‘to be’ + verb+ing
Subject + ‘to be’ + not + verb+ing
‘To be’ + subject + verb+ing
You can check out each of the options in more detail.
FUTURE WITH WILL
Will: Form and Usage
Sentence Builder Games with ‘will’ here
FUTURE WITH GOING TO
Going to: Form and Usage
Sentence Builder Games with ‘going to’ – here
PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR FUTURE
Present Continuous: Form and Usage
HOW TO TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE – Meaning and Usage
WILL + VERB
1.) Predictions based on opinion
I think it will rain. It’s a bit grey out.
2.) Decisions that are made in the moment of speaking.
Oh, look at this pretty blouse. I think I’ll buy it.
3.) Facts that are undeniably, always true.
The mall will be open at 9AM.
4.) Promises, requests, offers, and refusals
Will you zip up the back of my dress, please?
BE + GOING TO + VERB
1.) Predictions based on evidence
It is going to rain. Look at that huge, black cloud.
2.) Decisions that are planned or have been considered.
I need new boots for work.
I’m going to buy them this afternoon.
3.) Something that is about to happen.
Watch out! You are going to spill coffee on your new blouse.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR FUTURE
1.) Plans that have been arranged.
My tailor is picking up my skirt to mend it tomorrow.
Jane and I are going shoe shopping next Saturday.
When and why does it matter which form you use? Let’s look at some scenarios.
Will for Requests
Tammy asks her husband to zip up the back of her dress, because she can’t reach it to do it up herself.
Correct: Will you do up my zipper?
Incorrect: Are you going to do up my zipper?
‘Going to’ implies impatience here. He should already know that Tammy wants him to do up her zipper. Annoyance may be just what you mean to express. If not, use ‘will’.
‘Going to’ for Decisions
The boss, Frank reminds Tony, his employee, to complete a report.
Correct: I am going to do it this morning.
Incorrect: I will do it this moring.
‘Will’ here implies that Tony didn’t have a plan to complete the report until Frank reminded him. He’ll only do it in the moment, because his boss reminded him. ‘Will’ here makes Tony sound irresponsible.
Present Continuous for Plans
Sam asks Jenna if she thinks it will rain tomorrow.
Correct: Yes, I think it will probably rain.
Correct: Yes, it’s definitely going to rain.
Incorrect: Yes, it’s raining tomorrow.
The Present Continuous doesn’t work here. It implies that Jenna made a plan with someone. Who? The weather?
From these examples, you can see that the form that you use is sometimes important in expressing yourself correctly.
Let’s practice.
Let’s talk.
Role Play
1.) Two new friends who are shy about inviting each other for a coffee.
What will you do this weekend? – Odd
What are you going to do this weekend? – What plans have you made?
What are you doing this weekend? – What arrangements have you made?
2.) A boss scolds an employee for arriving late, yet again.
I’m so sorry. I won’t do it again. – The employee makes a promise.
I’m so sorry. I am not going to do it again. – There was a plan in place.
I’m so sorry. I am not doing it again. – Incorrect
Video Predictions
Try making predictions with a video activity.
What’s next?
