FUTURE

There are at least four ways to speak about future actions:

1. Present Simple
2. Present Continuous
3. Will
4. To Be Going To

1. PRESENT SIMPLE
We can use the present simple for the future when we are talking about a
timetable.
e.g.: the train leaves at seven twenty-three tomorrow evening.

2. PRESENT CONTINUOUS
We use the present continuous for what someone has arranged to do in the
future.
e.g.: it’s my decision! Tomorrow afternoon, we are travelling to
Barcelona.

3. WILL
USES
a) We use Will as a neutral way of expressing the future.
e.g.: The world leaders will arrive here tomorrow.
b) We also use will to speak about the weather forecast, without present evidence.
e.g.: Tomorrow it will rain in the North of the country.
c) We use will for an instant decision or agreement to do something.
e.g.: The phone is ringing. I’ll answer it.

d) We also use will to order things in restaurants.

e.g.: I’ll have the ham salad, please.
e) We use will in offers.
e.g.: It’s too hot here! Will I open the window?
 FORM
Affirmative
SUBJECT + WILL+ VERB INFINITIVE(TO)+ COMPLEMENTS

Negative
SUBJECT + WILL NOT(WON’T) + VERB INFINITIVE + COMPLEMENTS

Interrogative
QUESTION WORD + WILL + SUBJECT + VERB INFINITIVE + COMPLEM?

4. TO BE GOING TO
USES
a) We use be going to to talk about something we have decided to do (an
intention).
e.g.: I’m going to watch the next programme.

b) We also use be going to for a prediction based on the present situation, when
we can see that something is going to happen.
e.g.: My sister is going to have a baby in March.

FORM
Affirmative
SUBJECT + AM/ARE/IS + GOING TO + INFINITIVE +COMPLEMENTS.

Negative
SUBJECT + AM/ARE/IS NOT + GOING TO +INFINITIVE +COMPLEMENTS.

Interrogative
QUESTION WORD+AM/ARE/IS+SUBJECT +GOING TO+INFINITIVE+COM?