The Future Simple Tense
Introduction
8. 1. Future Simple or Simple Future Tense “Will/shall + Infinitive”
8. 1. 1. Form
“Will + infinitive” is the basic structure of talking about the future. We use “will + infinitive form” if there is not a good reason for using present forms. Here this form expresses a pure future without intention and determination. In other words, it indicates that something will happen as a matter of course. See the examples below:
· I shall be fifteen on my next birthday.
· We shall have a break on national Day.
· In informal style, however, shall is often replaced by will: I will be fifteen on my next birthday.
The following table introduces the form of future simple tense. “To work”
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Affirmative |
Negative |
Interrogative |
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I will / shall work You will work He will work She will work We shall work They will work |
I will not / shall not work You will not work He will not work She will not work We shall not work They will not work |
Shall I work? Will you work? Will he work? Will she work? Shall we work? Will they work? |
1. Definition
We use the simple future tense when there is no plan or decision to do something before we speak. We make the decision spontaneously at the time of speaking. Look at these examples:
· Hold on. I'll get a pen.
· We will see what we can do to help you.
· Maybe we'll stay in and watch television tonight.
In these examples, we had no firm plan before speaking. The decision is made at the time of speaking.
8. 1. 2. The Main Uses of the Simple Future Tense
The simple future tense is used in the following ways:
§ "Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use "will" to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help. We also use "will" when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we use "will not" or "won't" when we refuse to voluntarily do something. This action can be represented diagrammatically as follows:
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See the examples below:
· You will meet him later.
· Will you meet him later?
· You will not meet him later.
§ To express the speaker’s opinions, assumptions, speculations about the future in which the speaker believes to be certain. These may be introduced by verbs such as assume, be afraid, be, feel, sure, believe, daresay, doubt, expect, hope, know, suppose, etc. often we may add “perhaps, maybe, probably, possibly” to make the belief less certain. See the examples below:
· I’m sure he will come.
· I suppose they will sell the house.
· I believe she will accept my offer.
· I’ll probably come back later.
· Perhaps we’ll meet again someday.
§ To simple future is used similarly for future habitual actions and to describe facts which will take place in the future time. See the examples below:
· Spring will come again.
· Birds will build nests.
· People will make plans.
§ The future simple is used in sentences containing clauses of condition “conditional sentences type 1”, time and sometimes purpose conjunctions. “Note that the if-clause does not use the future simple even when the meaning is future”. See the examples below:
· If I drop this glass it will break.
· When it gets warmer the snow will start to melt.
· I’m putting this letter on the top of the pile so that he will read it first.
§ The future simple is used, chiefly in newspapers and news broadcasts, for formal announcements of future plans and for weather forecasts. See the examples below:
· Newspapers: the president will open the new heliport tomorrow.
· The fog will persist in all areas.
§ The future simple is used to for interpersonal uses. It is common in offers, promises, threats, refusals, asking for instruction, spontaneous decision, and giving instructions and orders. See the examples below:
· The phone is ringing, I will answer it.
· I promise I will not smoke again.
· I will hit you if you do that again.
· I don’t care what you say, I won’t do it.
· Shall I open a window?
· Will you be quite, please!
· Make me a cup of coffee, will you do?
8. 1. 3. Note about Will and Shall
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However, nowadays this distinction of 'will' and 'shall' is not followed. Instead, 'will' is used wherever absolute conviction is required to be expressed while the usage of 'shall' depends on individual writing style. Examples: · We assume that our representative will be winning the elections that are to be held at the end of April. · Today, she will be walking all the way to her house from her office. · I will be watching the new movie next week. · By this time tomorrow, I will be at home watching T.V. |
4. Differences between “Going to” and “Will”
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“Going to” |
“Will” |
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Future facts Ex. he is going to be 14 next week. |
Future facts Ex. he will to be 14 next week. |
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Prediction Ex. I am going to miss the exam. |
Prediction Ex. I will miss the exam if I do not speed. |
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Predictions when there is something in the present that indicates what will happen in the future. Ex. Look at the sky. It is going to rain. |
It is often used with probably, I think, I do not think …………… Ex. I will probably stay at home today. |
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It is used for preconceived plans and arrangements. Ex. He needs some money. He is going to do shopping. |
It is used when we decide to do something at the time of speaking. Ex. Would you like tea or coffee I will have tea, please. |
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It is used for offers, requests and promises. Ex. I will help you answer those difficult questions. |
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It is used to agree or refuse to so something. Ex. I am angry at John. I will not help him. |
Summary
The simple future tense is used for actions that will occur in the future. It is formed by using “will” and the base verb (I, you s/he/it, we, they will complete). The common way of using the simple present tense is when:
§ Prediction (He will turn into a great player in two years’ time. He will come home late tonight).
§ Promise (I will take you to the movies next time.).
§ Action which is not a part of a definite plan - often with think, expect, wonder, perhaps, probably. (I think he will go to live in the Netherlands. I will have my new car by June)
§ General Truth (spring will come. When peace is available, people will go for it.).
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Direction: complete the following sentences using the correct form of “going to” or “will” with the verb provided. Be prepared to explain the reason for your choice. Remember sometimes you can use either forms.
1. John feels sick. He …………………. “stay” home for work next week.
2. I ……………….……. “finish” my work late tonight.
3. I left my wallet t home. That is ok. I …………..…………..“lend” some money.
4. The sky is very dark. It …………………“rain”
5. What time …………….he …….………..“meet” you tomorrow?
6. Stephan …………..……“take” a two week holiday next week.
7. That box looks very heavy. I …………..………“help” you carry it.
8. I bought some paints because I ………..………….“paint” my flat.
9. He …………..…..“wear” a black tuxedo to do wedding.
10. Why did you take out the sugar out of the cupboard? I ….………“ bake” a cake.
11. They took money out of the bank because they ……...………. “buy” a new car for their son.
12. It is very hot in here. I ………………. “open” the window for you.
13. The weatherman says it ………………. “be” a beautiful day tomorrow. I think I ………..……. “go” to the sea side.
14. Your car engine does not sound very good. It sounds like it …………….. “die”
15. We probably ………..……. “not go” to the parry next week.
16. Can I please talk to the manager? he ……….…………. “be” in a moment.
17. The plane ………….………. “arrive” in time.
18. The Anderson went to the travel agency yesterday. They …….……..“ buy” their tickets tomorrow.
19. We ……………“see” that new movie tonight. Do you want to come with us?
20. Marry …………….. “get up” early tomorrow so that she can go fishing.
21. I ………………… “help” with your work tomorrow.
22. Do you have any holiday plans? Yes. We …………“take” a mountainous trip.
Exercise 3
Fill in the following blanks with WILL or BE GOING TO with justification:
1. A: Why do you need so much sugar? B: I ……………………… make a cake.
2. A: Oh no! I’ve left my purse at home and I haven’t got any money on me! B: Don't worry. I ……………………………………. lend you some.
3. A: I don’t know how to use this mixer. B: That’s OK. I ………….. show you.
4. A: Why are all these people gathered here? B: The Prime Minister ………………… open the new hospital ward.
5. A: Did you remember to buy the magazine I asked for? B: Sorry, I didn’t. I …………………. buy it when I go out again.
6. A: What’s that on your curtains? B: It’s a stain. I ……….. take them to the dry cleaner’s tomorrow.
7. A: These bags are very heavy. I can’t lift them. B: I ……… carry them for you.
8. A: I hear you’re going to Leeds University in September. B: Yes, I ………………. study French and German.
9. A: Why don’t you tidy your room? B: I …………….. play football in ten minutes, so I haven’t got time.
10. A: How can we get all this home? B: I …………. ask James to come and help.
11. She has bought some wool. She …………………………. knit a sweater.
12. A: This problem is very difficult. B: I …………………. help you to solve it.
13. A: Why are you taking down all the pictures? B: I …………….. paint the room.
14. I ……………………… climb that mountain one day.
15. Look at that young man. He looks very pale. He ……………………. faint.
16. A: Why are buying that spade? B: I …………………………… plant some trees in my garden at the back of the house.
17. She …………………………….. get better. There are positive signs.
18. I’m hungry. I ………………………………. have something to eat.
19. I ………………………………… be 38 years old next week.
Exercise 4
Put the verb in to the correct from using WILL or GOING TO with justification:
1. A: Why are you turning on the television? B: I …………… (watch) the news.
2. A: Oh, I’ve just realized. I haven’t got any money. B: Don’t worry. That’s no problem. I ………………………. (lend) you some.
3. Those clouds are very black, aren’t they? I think it …………………… (rain).
4. A: I’ve got a terrible headache. B: Have you? Wait here and I ………. (get) an aspirin for you.
5. A: Why are you filling that bucket with water? B: I ………… (wash) the car.
6. A: I’ve decided to re-paint this room. B: Oh, have you? What color ………. (you / paint) it?
7. A: Look! There’s smoke coming out of that house. It’s on fire! B: Good heavens! I ……………… call the fire-brigade immediately.
8. A: The ceiling in this room doesn’t look very safe, does it? B: No, it looks as if it ……………….. (fall) down.
9. A: Where are you going? Are you going shopping? B: Yes, I ………………….. (buy) something for dinner.
10. A: I can’t work out how to use this camera. B: It’s quite easy. I …. (show) you.
11. A: What would you like to drink – tea or coffee? B: I ……. (have) tea, please.
12. A: Has George decided on what to do when he leaves school? B: Oh yes. Everything is planned. He ……………………… (have) a holiday for a few weeks and then he ………………….. (start) a computer programming course.
Exercise 5
Put in the missing words. Use one word only in each space. One example is given.
§ I don't want a steak. I think I'll have the chicken.
1. There's a fireworks display tomorrow. Janet is..........................to watch it.
2. We're at that table in the corner............................................you join us?
3. I'm seeing the boss this afternoon. But I must study this report before I ….. her.
4. There will be drinks at the reception, but there will ........................ be any food.
5. The European heads of state are………….. meet in Brussels on 3 October.
6. It's a lovely day. ..........................................we go for a walk?
7. My birthday ......................................on Sunday next year.
8. My brother is engaged. He's ........................................married in June.
9. You won't be allowed to go to your seat after the play ......................started.
10. Martin's got his coat on. I think he's ....................................... to go out.