THE FUTURE
FORM
USAGE
COMMENTS
EXAMPLES
* You cannot use the
present simple in these
sentences
A: Did you phone Lucy? B: Oh
no, I forgot. Ill phone her
now.
INTENTION
When we decide to do
sth at the time of
speaking
-We often use I think Ill
and I dont think Ill
I feel a bit hungry. I think
Ill have something to eat.
That
bag
looks
heavy.
Ill
help you with it.
will
Offering
to do sth
Agreeing
to do sth
A: Can you give Tim this book?
B: Sure, Ill give it to him as
soon as I see him.
I
wont
tell
anyone
happened, I promise.
Promising to do sth
what
Asking sb to do sth
You can use wont to say
that sb refuses to do sth.
We can also use wont
when the subject is not a
person.
Will
please
you
turn
the
stereo down? Im trying to
concentrate.
Ive tried to give her advice,
but she wont listen. / The car
wont start.
PREDICTION
When we are simply giving
information about the
future, or predicting future
events which are not
already decided (based
on our opinion or
experience) (there is no
reason to use a present
continuous or going to)
We often use will with:
-probably/perhaps
-I expect
-(Im) sure/afraid
-(I) think
-(I) dont think
-I wonder
Ill
be
probably
tonight
home
late
havent
seen
Carol today. I expect shell
this
phone
evening
Dont
worry about the exam. Im
sure youll pass / A: Do you
Kate
think
will
pass
the
exam? - B: Yes, shell pass
easily. / I wonder what will
happen
*After
I
hope,
we
generally use the present
(will is also possible)
hope
it
doesnt
rain
tomorrow (or I hope it wont
rain )
Look at
Its
be going to
PREDICTION
When we say that sth is
going to happen, the
situation NOW makes it
clear.
those black clouds!
going
to
rain
The
economic situation is bad now
and things are going to get
worse.
INTENTION
When we have already
decided to do sth, we
intend to do it.
present
continuous
begin to do it.
When we talk about
timetables, programmes,
etc. (for public transport,
cinemas, )
You can use the present
simple to talk about
people if their plans are
fixed like a timetable
A: I hear Sarah has won some
money. What is she going to do
with it? B: Shes going to buy
a new car.
What time are you meeting
When we have arranged
to do sth, e. g., arranged
to meet sb, arranged to
go somewhere. We often
give the time, date
and/or place. As it refers
to personal arrangements,
the subject of the verb
should be a person or
people and not a thing.
You can also use the
present continuous for an
action just before you
present
simple
Often the difference is
very small and either
form is possible, but the
present continuous is
more
natural
for
arrangements.
Ann
this
evening?
Im
leaving tomorrow. Ive got my
plane ticket.
This happens especially
with verbs of movement
(go/come/leave etc.)
Im tired. Im going to bed
now / A: Tina, dinners ready
B: Coming!
My train leaves at 11.30 and
arrives in Paris at 20.45 /
Tomorrow is Sunday
What time do you finish work
tomorrow? / Helen starts her
new job on Monday.
