Expressing the future Carmen Torres

Tenses we can use Future simple ( will ) Present Simple Present Continuous Be going to Future Continuous Future Perfect is/are to

Near Future & pre-planned The Present Continuous is used to speak about something pre-planned that we know will take place in the near future, especially if we are using a verb that implies “moving from one place to another” He is arriving tonight (I am certain) They are living next Sunday (I know, it has been planned)

We often make a prediction because we can see the cause of the event. Be going to is used to predict what may happen based on what we see. Look out! There's a bus coming! It's going to hit us! I can see you're going to have a baby. When is it due? He is looking up! He is going to fall into the hole. Prediction

Be going to is used instead of the Future Simple in predictions when there is no cause. It seems more colloquial. I'm sure you 're going to enjoy the film. I 'm sure you ‘ll enjoy the film. Prediction

If a predicted event is very near, and especially in impersonal statements, be going to is commonly used for predictions. You're going to fall! Liverpool are going to win the Cup. The Future simple can also be used in these examples, with no change of meaning. Prediction

Prediction When the Future Simple is used to make predictions, it is often preceded by / think, promise, predict, expect, hope, fear or by opinion words like perhaps. I think it‘ll rain tomorrow. Perhaps she'll be late. Tomorrow will be warm with some cloud in the afternoon. Who do you think will win? You’ll never finish that book.

Prediction We prefer the Future Simple when we are talking more about what is inside our heads: our beliefs, guesses, knowledge etc. Don’t lend him your car - he’ll crash it. (I know him.)

Plans, decisions and intentions Be going to is used when we talk about plans, decisions and firm intentions, especially in an informal style. We’re going to get a new car soon. (it’s our decision) I am going to wash my hair (that’s my intention Will you come to my party? Sorry, I’m going to help Lola (prior plan /arrangement)

Plans, decisions and intentions Be going to is used to describe a present intention. I'm going to fix the television tomorrow. I’m going to be an artist

Quick Decision The Future simple is used for decisions made at the time of speaking. I know, I'll get him a wallet for his birthday. Don’t worry, I’ll answer the phone! Let me help you, I’ll carry it

Plans and facts The Present Continuous is used to describe plans and arrangements which are definite. Sorry, I can't help you, I'm leaving in the morning. The Present Continuous is used to describe fixed arrangements, and to ask about social arrangements. Are you doing anything this evening? Did you know I’m getting a new job? What are we having for dinner?

Plans and facts With the Present Continuous we often give the time, date, and / or place when we talk about future personal arrangements and fixed plans. What are you doing this evening?’ ‘I’m washing my hair.’ My car’s having a service next week. We’re going to Spain in June. I’m seeing Pete on Tuesday. (There is an arrangement now.)

Plans and facts The Present Simple is used to describe future events which we cannot control. They may be facts, such as events in a timetable, or a law. The plane for Paris leaves at 9.45. The Present Simple and Present Perfect can also be used to refer to future time. I‘ll tell you the news when I see you. Call me when you have finished.

Conditions The Future Simple is used in to state what we think will happen if certain conditions are met. If you come I’ll give you the book. If you study you’ll learn more If he arrives on time he’ll catch the bus

Polite enquiries: compare The Future Progressive suggests 'What have you already decided?‘ giving the idea that we are not trying to influence people. Will you be staying in staying in this evening? (just asking about plans) Be going to presses for a decision Are you going to stay in this evening? (perhaps pressing for a decision) Will is used as a request Will you stay in this evening? (request)

Is to / are to/ was to We can talk about the future by saying that something is to happen. We often use this structure to talk about official plans and fixed personal arrangements. The President is to visit Scotland in September. We are to get a wage rise. I felt nervous because I was soon to leave home for the first time.