The document is a guide on using future tense in English grammar, covering three main forms: 'will', 'going to', and present continuous. It explains their uses for predictions, intentions, and arrangements, providing examples to illustrate the differences between them. The document also highlights the rarity of 'shall' in modern English and offers insights into conveying certainty in future predictions.

1. Future Tense
Language Open Learning English
Grammar Guide

2. Future Tense
No verb future tenses.
We refer to the future by using:
• Will
• To going to
• Present tenses
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3. Future Tense
Using WILL.
Formed with the bare infinitive (without to)
Negative is WILL NOT (won’t)
In speech we use contractions ‘ll
e.g. I think I’ll go to the shops.
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4. Future Tense
Using WILL.
Shall is sometimes used but in modern
English is now very rare.
Shall is used mainly for suggestions –
e.g. Shall I open the window?
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5. Future Tense
Using WILL.
Used when talking generally about:
• Future beliefs
• Opinions
• Hopes
• Predictions
Usually there is a TIME EXPRESSION
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6. Future Tense
Using WILL.
We can also add:
• Perhaps
• Probably
• Definitely
This show certainty with our predictions
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7. Future Tense
Using WILL.
Examples:
• Perhaps it’ll rain tomorrow
• United will definitely win the football game.
• In the next century, most people will probably live in the
cities.
Notice that will comes before probably in the positive and
after in the negative.
• She’ll probably come with us tonight.
• She probably won’t come with us tonight
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8. Future Tense
Using TO BE GOING TO:
Verb BE + going + the infinitive
• I am going to learn to speak Spanish
• Emma and Paul are going to travel
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9. Future Tense
Using TO BE GOING TO:
Going to = plans for the future and intentions
• I am going to do lots of work this evening
• After I finish University, I am going to travel
all over Europe
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10. Future Tense
Using TO BE GOING TO:
Going to = used to predictions esp. if there is
evidence in the present
Look out!! That cup is going to fall!
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11. Future Tense
Using PRESENT CONTINUOUS:
Use this for things we have arranged – social
meetings & appointments
• Are you doing anything on Friday evening?
• No, not really. Why?
• I’m having a party. Would you like to come?
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12. Future Tense
Use three forms
• Will
• Going to
• Present Continuous
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13. Future Tense
Which to use?
Will v going to
Both used for predictions.
• I think it’s going to/it’ll probably rain tomorrow
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14. Future Tense
Which to use?
going to v present continuous
Both used for plans and arrangements.
• I’m going to have/I’m having a party on Saturday.
• Going to – suggests that plans not finalised
– Peter is going to have another driving lesson soon
• Pres. Cont – suggests plans ARE finalised
– Peter is having a driving lesson this afternoon
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15. Future Tense
Other means of WILL
• Spontaneous (immediate) decisions
– Is that the phone ringing? I’ll answer it!
• Promises
– I’ll do my best to help you.
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16. Future Tense
Use of BE
Use WILL or GOING TO
NOT PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE
– I’ll be back on Friday
– I’m going to be back on Friday
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17. Want to know more?
Contact us
• www.LanguageOpenLearning.com
• www.Facebook.com/LanguageOpenLearning
• Skype - AjarnKen
• Twitter - @AjarnKen
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