Future forms

We can refer to the future in English by using Will, be going to or by using present tenses. Sometimes we can use times there is a difference. Will We use will to talk about generally about future beliefs, opinions, hopes and predictions. There is usually a time expression. We can add perhaps, probably or definitely to show certain or uncertain we are about our predictions. different forms and there is little differences between them, other

In the next century, most people will probably live in big cities. nited will definitely win tonight.

Notice that probably comes after will but before wont.

She ll probably come with us tonight. She probably wont come with us tonight.

"orm# the will future is formed with the infinitive without to. The negatives of will is wont. Will is usually shortened in speech and informal writing to ll. Some speakers use shall to refer to the future in formal situations with I and we. $owever this use is becoming very rare. In modern English shall is used for suggestions only.

Shall I open the window%

Be going to We use going to for plans or intentions. The plan may be in the near future, or more distant. We also use going to for predictions. We use going to when is some evidence in the present situations, for example we can see something.

"orm# the going to future is formed with the verb be & going to & the infinitive

'ean is going to learn to drive. Tim and (nn are going to travel abroad next year.

Present Continuous We use the present continuous to talk about things we have arranged to do, in particular social arrangements and appointments. There is nearly always a time expression.

(# Are you doing anything on "riday evening% )# *ot rally. Why% (# Im having a party. Would you like to come%

Problems
Will or going to?

Will and going to are both used for predictions, and on most occasions either is possible.

I think its going to / itll probably rain tomorrow.

$owever if there is strong evidence in the present situation, then going to is usually used.

I think its going to rain this afternoon, look at the back clouds in the sky.

Going to or present continuous?

+oing to and present continuous are both used for plans and arrangements, and most occasions either is possible.

Im going to have , Im having a party on "riday.

$owever, going to can suggest that the detail are not yet finali-ed . it/s still 0ust a plan. Whereas the present continuous can suggest that the arrangement is more fixed, with a time and place.

'ean is going to have another driving lesson soon. 1a plan, with no specific time2 'ean is having her driving lessons this afternoon. 1it/s fixed in her diary2

32

nderline the correct sentence, 3 or 4, in each dialogue#

a2 (# 5an you come dancing tomorrow night% )# 3.Sorry, I/ll play basketball. 4. Sorry, I/m playing basketball.

b2 (# What are your plans for the summer% )# 3. I/ll spend a month in the mountains. 4. I/m going to spend a month in the mountains.

c2 (# What do you think about the weather% )# 3. It/ll probably rain tomorrow. 4. it/s raining tomorrow.

d2 (# What about tomorrow at about 6.78% )# 3. 9k, I/ll see you then. 4. 9k, I/m seeing you then.

e2 (# :ary is buying a dog next week. )# 3. ;eally% What is she calling it% 4. ;eally% What is she going to call it%

42 <ut the verb in brackets into a form of will, going to or present continuous. :ore than one answer may be possible#

a2 $ave you heard the news% $arry ===================================== 10oin2 the (rmy> b2 Sorry to keep you waiting. I ========================================== 1not be2 long. c2 (ccording to the weather forecast, it ================================== 1snow2 tomorrow. d2 I/m sorry I can/t meet you tonight. I =============================== 1go out2 with my parents. e2 5areful> ?ou =====================================1knock2 that 0ug off the table>

72 5omplete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence#

a2 :y party is on Thursday. I/m having a party on Thursday.

b2 Tomorrow/s weather forecast is for rain. It/s @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@. Tomorrow

c2 I predict a victory for our team. I think @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@. Win.

d2 Tomorrow I/ll be absent, :r 'ones. I @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ here tomorrow, :r 'ones.

e2 Terry intends to finish painting the kitchen this evening. Terry @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@. <ainting the kitchen this evening.

A2

nderline the sentences which are incorrect. ;ewrite them. If the sentence is correct, put a tick 1B2#

a2 I go swimming next Saturday. Would you like to come% b2 What are you going to discuss at the next meeting%

c2 The boat is turning over> I think it will sink> d2 Sue is going to lend me her skateboard. e2 The weather forecast says it/s definitely sunny tomorrow.

Cey#

32 a2 4

b2 4

c2 3

d2 3

e2 4

42 a2 is 0oining , is going to 0oin

b2 won/t be c2 Ds going to snow d2 Dm going out e2 Dre going to knock

72 a2 Dm having a party b2 going to rain c2 our team will d2 won/t be e2 is going to finish

A2 a2 I/m going swimming next Saturday. Would you like to come% b2 B c2 The boat is turning over> I think it/s going to sink%

d2 B e2 the weather forecast says it/s definitely going to be sunny tomorrow