Future simple tense in English
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Sign up for freeThis chapter will discuss the future simple tense in English. This tense is used to refer to a time later than now, and can express facts.
There are three ways of expressing the future in English:
- Using the verb 'to will'.
- Using the expression 'to be going to'.
- Using the present simple tense.
Lesson outline
Hide- 1.Using the verb 'to will' for the future simple tense
- 1.1.How to form the future simple tense using will?
- 1.1.1.Affirmatives
- 1.1.2.Negatives
- 1.1.3.Interrogatives
- 1.2.Usage of the future simple tense using 'will'
- 2.Using 'to be going to' for the future simple tense
- 2.1.How to form the future simple tense using 'to be going to'
- 2.1.1.Affirmatives
- 2.1.2.Negatives
- 2.1.3.Interrogatives
- 3.Will and going to
- 4.The present simple as future simple tense
- 5.Exercises
- 5.1.Fill in the English future tense using 'to be going to'
- 5.2.Fill in the English future simple using 'will'
- 5.3.Complete the English future simple with 'to be going to'
- 5.4.Complete the English future simple with 'will'
- 5.5.Fill in 'to will' or 'to be going to' in English
1) Using the verb 'to will' for the future simple tense
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How to form the future simple tense using will?
The future simple tense is formed with the auxiliary verb 'will' and an infinitive verb.
will + infinitive verb
How the future simple tense is formed depends on whether the sentence is:
- Affirmative: expresses the truth of a certain assertion.
- Negative: expresses the falsity of a certain assertion.
- Interrogative: expresses a question.
1. Affirmatives
Structure: Subject + will + infinitive + rest of the sentence.
Examples:
- I will call you tomorrow.
- The boss will send an email to her.
2. Negatives
Structure: Subject + will not + infinitive + rest of the sentence.
Examples:
- I will not be home until 5 o'clock.
- We will not eat at my favourite restaurant tonight.
3. Interrogatives
Structure: Will + subject + infinitive + rest of the sentence + question mark
Examples:
- Will she come to the party tonight?
- Will they fly to Barcelona or to Madrid?
Usage of the future simple tense using 'will'
The table below shows you the situations when to use the future simple tense.
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Predictions |
|
| Future events |
|
| Instant decisions |
|
| Promises |
|
| Offers or suggestions |
|
2) Using 'to be going to' for the future simple tense
How to form the future simple tense using 'to be going to'
The form 'to be going to' is another way to express the future.
How the future simple tense is formed depends on whether the sentence is:
- Affirmative: expresses the truth of a certain assertion.
- Negative: expresses the falsity of a certain assertion.
- Interrogative: expresses a question.
1. Affirmatives
Structure: Subject + conjugation of 'to be' + going to + infinitive + rest of the sentence
| Subject | 'to be' + going to |
|---|---|
| I | am going to |
| You | are going to |
| He / she / it | is going to |
| We | are going to |
| You | are going to |
| They | are going to |
Examples:
- She is going to study for her exam at home.
- They are visiting their grandma.
2. Negatives
Structure: Subject + negative form of the verb 'to be' + going to + infinitive + rest of the sentence.
| Subject | 'to be' + going to |
|---|---|
| I | am not going to |
| You | are not going to |
| He / she / it | is not going to |
| We | are not going to |
| You | are not going to |
| They | are not going to |
Examples:
- She is not going to study for her exam.
- They are not going to visit their grandma.
3. Interrogatives
Structure: Conjugation of the verb 'to be' + subject + going to + infinitive + rest of the sentence + question mark
Examples:
- Are you going to cycle to the party?
- Is she going to celebrate her birthday?
Will and going to
The verb 'will' and the expression 'to be going to' can both be used to express future actions. The difference is explained in the table below.
| Verb / expression | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Will | Used to express a prediction, to make a promise, a suggestion or to give orders or instructions. |
|
| To be going to | Used for actions with a high probability that they will happen. It is used for plans and intentions, or to make predictions based on current evidence, according to what we know about the current situation |
|
3) The present simple as future simple tense
The present simple tense can also be used to express actions that are going to happen in the near future.
Examples:
- The bus leaves in three minutes.
- The supermarket closes at 9 o'clock.
Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Exercises
- Fill in the English future tense using 'to be going to'
- Fill in the English future simple using 'will'
- Complete the English future simple with 'to be going to'
- Complete the English future simple with 'will'
- Fill in 'to will' or 'to be going to' in English
Fill in the English future tense using 'to be going to'
Fill in the English future simple using 'will'
Complete the English future simple with 'to be going to'
Complete the English future simple with 'will'
Fill in 'to will' or 'to be going to' in English
Exercises
- Fill in the English future tense using 'to be going to'
- Fill in the English future simple using 'will'
- Complete the English future simple with 'to be going to'
- Complete the English future simple with 'will'
- Fill in 'to will' or 'to be going to' in English