The document discusses different ways to talk about the future in English using verbs like will, going to, present continuous, present simple, and modal verbs. It explains that will can express predictions, promises, and conditional sentences. Going to can express plans and predictions with present evidence. Present continuous can express plans and intentions. Present simple can express schedules, timetables, and possession of calendar events. The appropriate choice depends on whether the future event depends on other factors, how definite the plan is, and whether it is based on evidence or just a viewpoint.

1. THE FUTURE
and how to talk about it....

2. Future 1
Future 2

3. will
going to

4. Future 1
Future 2

5. will going to
present present
continuous simple
future continuous future perfect
verbs that always talk
modal verbs
about the future

6. will
...is a modal verb, and can be used to
express:

7. will
...is a modal verb, and can be used to
express:
spontaneous offers or promises - „I'll
bring some Gummibears next week“

8. * Nothing is certain!
will
...is a modal verb, and can be used to
express:
spontaneous offers or promises - „I'll
bring some Gummibears next week“
prediction /speculation / certainty *
„I'm sure that Bayern will beat Chelsea
in the final“

9. will
...is a modal verb, and can be used to
express:
spontaneous offers or promises - „I'll
bring some Gummibears next week“
prediction /speculation / certainty *
„I'm sure that Bayern will beat Chelsea
in the final“
It also helps form simple conditional
sentences: „If the weather is nice
tomorrow, I will work in the garden“

10. going to
technically: [to be] going to + infinitive
This can be used to express:

11. going to
technically: [to be] going to + infinitive
This can be used to express:
plans / intentions - „We're going to book
that holiday cottage again“

12. Hang on, we've had predictions
already haven't we?
going to
technically: [to be] going to + infinitive
This can be used to express:
plans / intentions - „We're going to book
that holiday cottage again“
predictions (when there is present
evidence/knowledge) „Look at those
clouds, it's going to rain!“

13. present
continuous
...can be used to express:

14. Hang on, we've had
plans / intentions
already too, right?
present
continuous
...can be used to express:
plans / intentions - „ I'm getting
married next year“

15. present
simple
...can be used to express:

16. present
simple
...can be used to express:
schedules / timetables - „The train
arrives at 16:30“

17. present
simple
...can be used to express:
schedules / timetables - „The train
arrives at 16.30“
'possession' of entries in a
calendar / schedule. „Oh sorry, I can't
come – I have a meeting at 8:00“

18. It depends
...on how you see it.

19. It depends
...on how you see it.
Planned events:
Does it depend on something else happening
first? Is it a tentative plan? Do you want to
tell your listener that your plan is fixed? Do
you see it as a scheduled event? Do you 'own'
this item in your calendar?

20. It depends
...on how you see it.
Planned events:
Does it depend on something else happening
first? Is it a tentative plan? Do you want to
tell your listener that your plan is fixed? Do
you see it as a scheduled event? Do you 'own'
this item in your calendar?
Prediction / speculation:
Is it based on anything? or just your view?
Does it depend on something else happening
first?