This document discusses various ways to talk about the future in English using different verb tenses and expressions. It explains the difference between using "will" and "be going to" to express the future, with "will" used for spontaneous decisions and predictions, and "be going to" used when the future is planned or expected. Some examples are given to illustrate the uses of each. Additionally, the present continuous tense can sometimes be used to refer to the future. Other expressions discussed for talking about the future include "be about to", "be on the point of", "be to", and "be due to".

1. THE FUTURE
FUTURE SIMPLE AND FUTURE
CONTINUOUS

2. WILL vs BE GOING TO
Choose the correct option
1. You have got a ticket for a football match tomorrow.
a. I’ll go to the match tomorrow
b. I’m going to the match tomorrow.
2. You want to apologize for something
a. It won’t happen again.
b. It is not going to happen again.
3. You make a prediction about the future.
a. Cars won’t have wheels in a few years
b. Cars are not going to have wheels in a few years.
4. You see a pregnant woman
a. She will have a baby
b. She’s going to have a baby.
5. You see it’s getting late
a. I think I’ll go home now.
b. I think I’m going home now.
X
X
X
X
X

3. WILL: USES
I Think Manchester will win the
match this Sarturday
I don’t know this. I’ll call
Tom to ask.
I won’t accept such a
terrible service!.

4. BE GOING TO: USES
Wait a second, I’m going to
sneeze.
I’m going to take up French next month.
I ‘m not going to accept
such a terrible service!

5. PRESENT TENSES WITH FUTURE MEANING
The next bus leaves
in 10 minutes
We’re leaving on the
4 o’clock flight

6. OTHER EXPRESSIONS USED TO EXPRESS FUTURE
1. TO BE (JUST) ABOUT TO +infinitive: (“Estar a punto
de”)
I’m going to eat now; can you call me later?
ABOUT
I…………………………………………….; can you call me later?
I thought that he would lose his temper in a few seconds.
ABOUT
I thought that………………………………………………….his temper
‘M ABOUT TO EAT
HE WAS ABOUT TO LOSE

7. 2. TO BE ON THE POINT OF+ -ING (“Estar a punto de”)
The class was going to finish when an electrical breakdown
happened.
POINT
The class was……………………………………………when an electrical
breakdown happened.
ON THE POINT OF FINISHING

8. 3. TO BE + INFINITIVE with TO
Read these examples:
In the letter they said that I’m to phone them when I get to
the airtport.
The message said that the meeting is to take place next
Tuesday.
Which information is given?
Instructions and formal announcements
The annual meeting will be held next month.
IS
The annual meeting………………………………………….next month.IS TO BE HELD

9. 3. BE DUE+ INFINITIVE with TO
What do these examples express?
1. I’m due to get a pay raise next month.
2. Tom and Louise are due to get married next July.
3. The train is due to arrive at eight o’clock.
4. ANSWER: future events/arrangements that are expected
to happen (but they might not happen).
According to the timetable, their plane arrives at 4:55
DUE
Their plane...................................................at 4:55IS DUE TO ARRIVE

10. OTHER EXPRESSIONS: SUMMARY