1. The Future
• The Future with be going to
• The Future with will
• The Future Using the Present Continuous and the Simple Present
2. The Future with be going to
In English, there are many ways of expressing future
time. One of the most common is the "be going to"
construction.
To make a verb form with “be going to”, you first put
“be” into the correct form to agree with the subject,
and then add “going to” + the simple form of the
verb. Note also that the “be” form is often shortened.
The next table lists the main forms:
3. Subject Statement Question Negative
I I am going to leave.
I'm going to leave.
Am I going to leave? I am not going to leave.
I'm not going to leave.
You You are going to leave.
You're going to leave.
Are you going to leave? You are not going to leave.
You aren't going to leave.
You're not going to leave.
He He is going to leave.
He's going to leave.
Is he going to leave? He is not going to leave.
He's not going to leave.
He isn't going to leave.
She She is going to leave.
She's going to leave.
Is she going to leave? She is not going to leave.
She's not going to leave.
She isn't going to leave.
It It is going to leave.
It's going to leave.
Is it going to leave? It is not going to leave.
It's not going to leave.
It isn't going to leave.
We We are going to leave.
We're going to leave.
Are we going to leave? We are not going to leave.
We're not going to leave.
We aren't going to leave.
They They are going to leave.
They're going to leave.
Are they going to leave? They are not going to leave.
They're not going to leave.
They aren't going to leave.
4. The meaning
of be going to
future forms
• The structure be + going to
+ the simple form of a verb
is used to express
predictions as well as plans
and intentions.
• It is common in
conversation and often it
sounds like gonna in quick,
informal speech.
5. Situation Example
Predictions
(based on
evidence)
She’s going to have a baby in
June.
Plans
We’re going to go to the beach
on our next vacation.
Intentions
(strong)
They aren’t going to go out
tonight. They’re going to stay
home and watch a movie.
6. The
Future
with will
• “Will”, like all modal verbs in
English, does not change its
form, and it is followed by the
simple form of the main verb.
• “Will” is NOT usually used in
first person questions. Note
also that will is often shortened
to ’ll. The next diagram should
make the situation clearer:
7. Subject Statement Question
I
I will stop smoking.
I'll stop smoking.
[not usually used]
You
You will stop smoking.
You'll stop smoking.
Will you stop smoking?
He
He will stop smoking.
He'll stop smoking.
Will he stop smoking?
She
She will stop smoking.
She'll stop smoking.
Will she stop smoking?
It
It will be hard to stop.
It'll be hard to stop.
Will it be hard to stop?
We
We will stop smoking.
We'll stop smoking.
[not usually used]
They
They will stop smoking.
They'll stop smoking.
Will they stop smoking?
8. Negatives are formed with “will not” or
“won't”:
• He will not stop smoking.
• He won't stop smoking
9. The meaning of
will future forms
• Like be going to, will expresses
intentions. However, be going to
implies that some planning has gone
into an intention, while will often
implies spontaneous, unplanned
intention.
• Also, unlike be going to, will is used to
express offers, promises, and requests.
• Will is NOT usually used for fixed plans
or scheduled events.
10. Situation Example
Intentions
(spontaneous)
I’ll study harder this semester.
Offers and
promises
I’ll call you as soon as I get home.
I won’t forget.
Predictions
(based on previous
knowledge)
It will rain in the afternoon.
Requests Will you close that window?
11. The Future
Using the
Present
Continuous
and the
Simple
Present
In specific situations, the
Present Continuous and the
Simple Present can be used to
express future time.
Normally, in both cases, a time
expression or the context
makes it clear that the action or
situation is in the future.
12. The Future
Using
Present
Continuous
Situation Example
To express future
when the idea of
the sentence
concerns a
planned event or
a definite
intention
We’re leaving
tomorrow at
7:00 A.M.
To express that a
plan has not only
been decided on,
but has actually
been arranged.
I can’t go to
the movies
with you. I’m
playing soccer
with friends.
14. Summary
Form Meaning / Usage Example
“Will” Intentions, predictions, offers,
promises, requests
Angelo: I need a pencil.
Sarah: I'll lend you mine.
“Going to” Intentions, predictions, plans Angelo: Have you registered for
the class yet?
Sarah: Not yet. I'm going to
register tomorrow.
Present
Continuous
Definite intention, planned and
arranged event
Angelo: Do you want to go to the
movies tonight?
Sarah: Sorry, I can't. I'm staying
home.
Present
simple
Definite schedule, timetable,
program
Angelo: What time does the next
bus leave?
Sarah: It leaves at six.
