The document discusses different ways to express future events in English using verb tenses. It explains that the simple present can express future events on a schedule. The present progressive can express planned future events that will occur in the near future. The phrase "be about to" can express the immediate future. It also discusses using the simple present in time clauses and if-clauses, with the future tense in the main clause.

1. Holly Cin
Spring 2015
LCC/5EF

2.  Going to  Will
Will Be going to
Scheduled event The lecture will begin
at 9 p.m. tonight.
The lecture is going to
begin at 9 p.m.
tonight.
Prediction Because you study
hard, you will
succeed.
There are clouds. It
will probably rain.
Because you study
hard, you’re going to
succeed.
There are clouds. It is
probably going to
rain.
Fact The sun will rise at 6
a.m. tomorrow.
The sun is going to
rise at 6 a.m.
tomorrow.

3.  Going to  Will
Will Be going to
Definite plan I am going to study
Spanish next year in
Spain.
Promise I will always love you.
I will never leave you.
Volunteer (no prior
intention) I’ll help you with your
homework.
Sure, I’ll hold the door
for you. No problem!

4. We can use the SIMPLE PRESENT to
express the future for events that happen
on a schedule, such as a class, a train, or a
plane:
1. Class begins tomorrow at 8 a.m.
2. The train arrives at 9 p.m. tonight.
3. The plane departs at 11 tomorrow
morning.

5. We can use the PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
for events that are PLANNED for the
NEAR FUTURE:
1. I’m meeting my mother for lunch
tomorrow.
2. You’re coming tonight, right?
3. We’re traveling to Africa next month.

6. We use BE ABOUT TO + SV to express the
IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
1. The sky is so dark. It’s about to rain.
2. Hurry and take your seat! The train is
about to leave.
3. I arrived when the teacher was just
about to start class.

7. In a future time clause, the verb inside the time
clause should be the simple present and the
verb inside the main clause should be the future
tense.
After I eat lunch, I will take a nap.
He is going to call his mother after he finishes
dinner.
As soon as you call me, I’ll pick you up.
Words that introduce future time clauses:
Before, after, when, as soon as, by the time...

8. An IF-CLAUSE follows the same rule as a
future time clause. Therefore, when using an
IF-CLAUSE, the verb inside the IF-CLAUSE
should be the simple present and the verb
inside the main clause should be the future
tense.
If I don’t answer the phone, you will know I’m
asleep.
His mother is going to be disappointed if he
doesn’t call after dinner.
If you call me, I’ll pick you up.