1. HOW TO EXPRESS THE
FUTURE IN ENGLISH
GOING TO – WILL –
THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS –
THE PRESENT SIMPLE
2. GOING TO
We use going to when we have decided to do
something, that is when we are talking about
our intentions or plans.
When we are sure about the future because of
something we see in the present
3. Examples:
I’m going to buy a laptop so I can work on the train.
I think John is going to study English at University.
I’ve decided. I’m going to stop smoking.
They’re going to see their friends some time soon.
My parents are going to visit New York next
summer.
She is pregnant- she’s going to have a baby.
Look at those big black clouds! There’s going to be a
storm.
4. WILL
We use will to show our intentions and
attitudes towards other people. We use will to
express our desire or willingness to do things
when reacting to present situations (making
decisions at the moment of speaking)
5. Examples:
I can’t do this” “Don’t worry, I’ll help you”
“We’ve got a letter from John and Mary” “I’ll
answer it.”
I like this coat. I think I’ll buy it.
A: What would you like to eat? B: We’ll have
a pizza
6. THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS
We use the present continuous to talk about
future arrangements and plans, especially
when they involve other people and have a
time and date.
7. Examples:
I’m going to the dentist tomorrow at five.
Tom is seeing his teacher about his exam
results on Tuesday at 5.00.
Mary is meeting her cousin at the cinema at
8.00.
John is starting university on September 17th.
My parents are flying to Glasgow tomorrow
morning.
8. THE PRESENT SIMPLE
We use the present simple when future events
are part of a schedule or timetable.
9. Examples
The winter term starts on 10 January.
The train leaves at 12.30 and arrives at 16.15.
