This document discusses the different ways to talk about the future in English and which verb tenses to use in each case. It explains that the present continuous is used for planned future events happening near in time. The "to be going to" construction is used for intentions, predictions based on present evidence, and prior arrangements. The future simple is used for promises, predictions, expectations, hopes, fears, conditional statements, and unplanned offers or decisions. The future continuous is used for future actions in progress. And the future perfect is used for actions completed by a specific time in the future.

1. FUTURE TENSES
When we talk about the future we can
1. Speak about something pre-planned that we know will take place
in the near future.
In this case, we use the Present Continuous, especially if we are
using a verb that implies “moving from one place to another”
He is arriving tonight (I am certain)
They are leaving next Sunday (I know, it has been planned)
2. Speak about our intentions or prior arrangements
In this case we use “to be going to”
Where are you going? I am going to wash the car (that’s my
intention)
Will you come to my party? Sorry, I am going to help Lola
(prior arrangement)
3. Predict what may happen based on what we see
In this case, we use “to be going to”
Look at those clouds! I think it is going to rain...
You drink too much. One of these days you are going to have
a serious accident!
4. Promise, predict, expect, hope, think, fear that something will
happen
In this case, we use the Future simple
He fears something awful will happen to us
I promise I will see her tomorrow
5. State what we think will happen if certain conditions are met
In this case we use the future simple
If you smoke so much you will never be healthy
If he studies he will pass the exam
6. Take a quick decision or make an unplanned offer
In this case we use the future simple
Rose: “We have no bread”. Martin: “Don’ t worry. I’ll get
some”
7. Speak of something that will be in progression in the future
In this case we use the future continuous
At six o’clock tonight we’ll be flying over London
Carmen Torres – http://torres-elcano.blogspot.com Página 1

2. FUTURE TENSES
8. Speak of something that will be finished at a given time in the
future
In this case we use the future perfect
By seven, we will have landed
Carmen Torres – http://torres-elcano.blogspot.com Página 2