1. EXPRESSING FUTURE IN
ENGLISH

2. We can express “future” in English by using:
• A) The present continuous
A: Tim and Gina are getting married next
weekend?
B: Are you going to the wedding?
• B) Be going to
I am going to study law.
• C) Will- inf
A: What would you like to drink?
B: I will have coffee, please

3. The Present Continuous
* When we are talking about arrangements/plans
in the future. We should mention the time.
A: What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?
B: I’m playing tennis with Tom.
I’m not going out tonight. I’m staying at home.
* It’s also possible to use “be going to” in these
sentences. But the present continuous is usually
more natural when we are talking about
arrangements.

4. Be Going to future
1) Future decisions, taken before the time of speaking
-A: There is a film on television tonight. Are you going to
watch it?
B: No, I’m tired. I’m going to have an early night.
-A: Why are you filling that bucket with water?
B: I’m going to wash the car.
2) Predictions about the future from evidence in the
present.
- Look at those black clouds. It’s going to rain!
- Oh dear! It’s 9 o’clock and I’m not ready. I’m going to
be late.

5. Will-inf
1) For a sudden decision made at the time of speaking.
A: Don’t forget it’s Jo’s birthday tomorrow.
B: Is it? O.K. I’ll send her a card this afternoon.
2) For promises.
A: Don’t forget to phone us.
B: Don’t worry. I’ll phone you every day.
3) For offers.
Those bags are too heavy. I’ll carry one for you.
4) Asking someone to do something
Will you shut the door, please?
Will you please be quiet? I’m trying to concentrate

6. 5) With clauses of condition and time:
If my marks are good, I’ll get a place at universiy
I’ll phone you as soon as/when I get home.
6) I think I’ll .... / I don’t think I’ll....
I’m tired. I think I’ll go the bed early tonight.
It’s raining. I don’t think I’ll go out.
7) Predictions about the future:
I think Ruth will pass her exam without much difficulty.
8) We often use “will” with these words or expressions:
Probably: I’ll probably be a bit late this evening
(I’m) sure: You must meet Ann. I’m sure you’ll like her
(I) expect: I expect Carol will get the job.

7. PRESENT SIMPLE to express
future:
When we talk about
“timetables, programmes..etc for public
transport, cinemas…
The bus leaves Plymouth at 1.30 and arrives
in London at 13.45
What time does the film start?

8. FUTURE CONTINUOUS: will be -ing
1) To say that we will be in the middle of doing
something at a certain time in the future.
This time next week, we will be sitting in class again, we
will be learning English
2) To talk about things which are already planned or
decided (similar to am doing)
I’ll be going to the city centre later. Can I get you
anything?
We often use “will you be..ing?” to ask about people’s
plans, especially when we want something or want
someone to do something:
• A- Mum, Will you be using the car this afternoon?
• B- Not, really. Why?
• A- Can I take it, please? We…..

9. FUTURE PERFECT: Will have done
To say that something will already have
happened before a certain time in the future.
Jim goes to bed at 11 o’clock. Tom is going to
visit him at 11.30 this evening. When Tom
arrives, Jim will have gone to bed.
Think about your future. What do you think you
will have done by year 2030?