EXPLANATION OF THE FUTURE TENSES (GRAMMAR RULES)

1. By Yeleina Erazo Enamorado

2.  In predictions about the future usually with the
verbs think, believe, expect, etc. The expressions
be sure, be afraid, etc. And the adverbs probably,
perhaps, certainly, etc.
Ex: I think she will come tomorrow.
 For on the spot decisions.
Ex: I'll take that blouse.
 For promises, threats, warnings, requests, hopes
and offers.
Ex: tom, will you help me with these bags?
 For actions, events, situations which will definitely
happen in the future and which we cannot control.
Ex: the temperature will reach 40° C tomorrow.

3.  For plans, intentions or ambitious we have for
the future.
Ex: I´m going to become a famous violinist one
day.
 For actions we have already decided to do in
the near future
Ex: They are going to get married in three
months.
 In predictions when there is evidence that
something will happen in the near future.
Ex: look at the clouds! It´s going to rain.

4.  Note: we normally use be going to, to talk
about something we intend to do, and will to
give details or make comments.
Ex: I'm going to have a party next week. I'll
invite all my friends.
That´ll be great.
 We normally use the present continuous
rather than be going to with verbs which
express movement, especially the verbs go
and come.
Ex: sam is going to the market in a few minutes
Sheila is coming to my house for tea this
afternoon.

5.  It can be used for future actions when we
refer to programmes, timetables, schedule…
Ex: the bus arrives in Liverpool at 7:30
 For future actions in clauses after
subordinating conjunctions.
Ex: it won´t matter what she says later. I'll see
you when I get back.

6.  For actions we have decided and arranged to
do in the near future.
Ex: they´re getting married next month.

7.  We use the present simple or present perfect
and not future form, after words and
expressions such as while, before, after,
until/ till, as, unless, when, whenever, if,
suppose, once, as soon as, as long as, by the
time, in case, on condition that, etc.
Ex. Call me as soon as you get back.
 When+ will: when it is a question word.
 When+ present simple: when it is a time word
Ex: when will they get married?
I will let you know when I decide.

8.  If and whether+ future forms when it is used
after expressions which show ignorance,
uncertainty such as I don´t know, I wonder, I
doubt.
Ex: I don´t know if he´ll move house.

9.  For an action which will be in progress at a stated
future time.
Ex: this time next week, we´ll be flying to Europe.
 For an action which will definitely happen in the
future as the result of a routine or arrangement.
Ex: Shall I inform the rest of the team?
No, I´ll do it. I´ll be seeing them at the meeting
anyway.
 When we ask politely about someone´s plans for
the near future.
Ex: will you be going later?
Yes, why?
Could you get me a sandwich, please?

10.  For an action which will be finished before a
stated future time.
Ex: they will have finished their meeting by
four o´clock this afternoon.
 The future perfect is used with the following
expressions: before, by, by then, by the time,
until/ till.
 Until/ till are only used in negative sentences.

11.  To emphasise the duration of an action up to
a certain time in the future.
Ex: by the time Rick retires, he will have been
working for the same company for 30 years.
 After the expressions by the time, until,
before, we use the present simple because
they introduce time clauses.
Ex: I will have tidied up, by the time you get
back.
By the time she finishes work, we will have
been waiting for more than a n hour.

12.  Will you…? To make an order or make a
request.
Ex: will you open the door for me, please?
 Won´t to show that someone is unwilling or
refuses to do something, even when the
subject is not a person.
Ex: I´ve talked to Sue about her decision to
leave, but she won´t listen.
The washing machine won´t work.
 we use wouldn´t to refer to the past.
 Ex: i asked him to help me, but he wouldn´t.

13.  To make an offer
Ex: shall i give you a hand with those bags?
 To make suggestions
Ex: shall we wait until the rain stops?
 To ask for suggestions or instructions
Ex: what shall i do with all these letters?
Put them on my desk.