The document discusses the use of different verb tenses and structures to talk about the future in English. It explains that the present continuous is used for near future plans that have already been arranged, like "I'm seeing the dentist this afternoon." The structure "be going to" is used for intentions, resolutions, fixed plans, and predictions based on present evidence. Common examples given are New Year's resolutions and predicting "The red car is going to run over the man." The document also discusses using "will" for uncertain predictions and promises, offers, and requests regarding the future.

1. Talking about the future

2. Present continuous for near future
• Dates, appointments, arrangements,
definite plans …
I’m seeing the dentist this
afternoon

3. Present continuous for near future
Use the Present Continuous to talk about
what you have already arranged to do
For example:
Alison: “What are you doing this
evening?”
Peter: “I’m playing tennis with Mark”

4. Present continuous for near future
• Ann is going on holiday next
weekend. Ask her about her
plans. (use the words in
brackets to make your
questions).
1.How long/stay?
2.When/leave?
3.go/alone?
4.go/by car?
5.Where/stay?

5. Present continuous for near future
• How long are you staying?
• When are you leaving?
• Are you going alone?
• Are you going by car?
• Where are you staying?

6. Present continuous or “going to”
We prefer to use the present continuous when
we say what someone has arranged to do, but
“going to” is also possible.

7. Be going to
Decisions
Intentions
Fixed plans
Predictions based on a
present evidence

8. Typical New Year’s Resolutions
(decisions or intentions)
I’m going to go on a diet
I’m going to go to the
gym
I’m going to eat healthy
food
I’m going to learn French

9. Fixed plans
• Future actions which we have already decided
about:
Next July I am going to work in a restaurant
They’re going to stay here for at least a year
She is going to rent a house here

10. Predictions based on a present evidence…
The red car is going to
run over the man

11. Now write your own examples:
“GOING TO” for:
• Intentions
• Resolutions
• Fixed plans
• Predictions based on a present evidence

12. Will…
• Instant decisions (decisions made at the time
of speaking)
Sam: “The phone’s ringing”
Pam: “Don’t worry! I’ll get it

13. Will…
• We use “will” for anything which is uncertain,
especially with probably, maybe, I think, I
expect and I hope
– I probably won’t be back in time
– I think I’ll get a meal in town

14. Will…
• Predictions based on what we think or
imagine…
I think I will spend lots of money at
Christmas

15. Will…
“I will be rich some day”

16. Will…
• Promises
“I promise I will visit you
next weekend, granny”

17. Will…
Offers and requests
“I will help you with your luggage, sir”