What is the Simple Future?
Verbs takes different forms when talking about the future tense in English, and we may tend to use several different sentence constructions. To form the simple future tense, we use the modal verb ‘will’ + the bare infinitive of the verb (without “to”). Additionally, we can make the future simple tense by using the form ‘be going to’ + the bare infinitive of the main verb.
WHEN TO USE:
1. To predict something:
We use the future simple tense for predictions that are based on desires.
- I think the Democrats will win the elections this year.
- I feel like it will rain tonight.
- Our national team will win the game.
2. Use ’will’ to express promise:
We use “will” more often in expressing promises:
- I will text you when I arrive.
- I promise I will make up for you next time.
- I will send you the money tomorrow.
- I promise I will be there for your birthday.
3. To describe a future fact:
We use this tense to talk about thing that are going to happen.
- The president will be in London tomorrow.
- I will drive to downtown, if you want to come by.
4. Unplanned actions or decisions:
We can use the simple future tense when talking about things that are not planned at the moment of speaking.
- Adam: It is cold in here
- Sam: I will close the window.
- Adam: It is cold in here
- Sara: The traffic is heavy; I don’t think I will be able to get you to the station.
- Laura: Don’t worry about it, I will just walk instead.
5. To offer help or provide assistance:
You can use the simple future tense to express your willingness to provide help.
- Give me one of the boxes I will carry them for you.
- Don’t worry I will help you with your homework.
- I will pay for the coffee.
6. Using ‘be going to’ form:
We can use ‘be going to’ to describe our plans that we usually make before the moment of speaking.
- Ahmed: we have run out of meat.
- Sarah: I know, I’m going to buy some at the store.
- I will send you the money tomorrow.
- I promise I will be there for your birthday.
7. Using ‘be going to’ form to make predictions about the future.
- Look at those numbers; I think the country is going to shut down.
- The wind is getting stronger. It’s going to rain.
HOW TO USE:
| POSITIVE | NEGATIVE |
|---|---|
| I will meet him later | I will not meet him later |
| You will come | You will not come |
| It will rain tomorrow | It will not rain tomorrow |
| She will be late | She will not be late |
| He will help us later | He will not help us later |
| We will get married in September | We will not get married in September |
| They will cook dinner | They will not cook dinner |
| YES/NO QUESTIONS | WH- QUESTIONS |
|---|---|
| Will you meet him later? | Where will you meet him? |
| Will you come? | When will you come? |
| Will it rain tomorrow? | Where will it rain tomorrow? |
| Will she be late? | Who will be late? |
| Will he help us? | Why will he help us? |
| Will we get married in September? | When will we get married? |
| Will they cook dinner? | What will they cook? |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the simple future tense in English offers versatile ways to express actions or events that will occur later. By employing either the modal verb “will” followed by the bare infinitive of the verb or the structure “be going to” plus the bare infinitive, speakers can convey future actions with clarity and simplicity. This grammatical structure not only aids in expressing future intentions but also adds depth to communication by allowing speakers to convey their plans, predictions, and expectations effectively. Understanding the nuances of the simple future tense equips individuals with a fundamental tool for expressing future events in English with confidence and accuracy.
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