Future

Tenses

Future! What is it?

In English we dont have ONE
future tense. We use several
forms to talk about different
ideas about the future.

 Future Simple Will

Be going to
Present Continuous
Go to practice

WILL
We use will + infinitive without to:
to express a sudden decision made at
the moment of speaking.
To express intention or promise.
To express a prediction based on opinion
or beliefs.
To make a request or an offer.

I have a nice dress! I

will go to the party
tonight!
(SUDDEN DECISION)

I promise, I
will bring
the book
tomorrow!
(PROMISE)

We think he will
win the
competition!
He is a
Spiderman!
(PREDICTION
BASED ON A
BELIEF)

I want to eat. Will

you take the cat
away?
(REQUEST)

Be going to
We use be going to + infinitive without to:
To express an intention/plan.
To express a prediction based on
something we can observe now.

Hmmm... I am
going to sleep !
(INTENTION OR
PLAN)

It is going to rain!
(PREDICTION BASED
ON SOMETHING WE
OBSERVE)

Present Continuous

We use Present Continuous to talk

about future events we have arranged.

I am going to
the cinema
tonight!
(ARRANGED
EVENT)

Will or be going to

1.

Look! Ive just won 100$. I will / am going to

buy myself a new jacket at last. (SUDDEN
DECISION)

2. He doesnt look healthy and smokes like a

chimney. He will / is going to have a heart
attack one day.(PREDICTION BASED ON
SOMETHING WE OBSERVE)
3. Sarah is going on holiday tomorrow. Im sure
she will / is going to enjoy it.(PLAN)
4. Ive decided to stay at home tonight. I will /
am going to study for my history test.
(sudden decision)

Will or be going to
5. Alice is coming to our party. I hope she will /
isnt going to / is going not to bring anyone
with her.(intention)
6. Just look at Susan. Everybody can see that
she will / is going to have a baby.(prediction
based on something we observe)
7. Dont pick up the phone, I will / am going to
answer it.(sudden decision)
8. Ive heard that Peter and Jane will / are
going to spend their honeymoon in
Europe.(prediction based on an opinion)