Future Simple
The future simple tense is used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future, often when the decision is spontaneous, the action is uncertain, or for making promises, predictions, or offers.
1.Structures
1.1Structures of Sentences
To form the future simple tense, follow these basic rules
S = Subject
won't = will not
QW = question word
| Structure | Examples | |
|---|---|---|
| + Affirmative | S + will + Verb + ... | I will definitely help you. |
| - Negative | S + will not/ won't + Verb +... | No! I won't go there! |
| ? Question | (QW) + will + S + Verb + ...? | What will you do if he comes? Will you help me with the test? |
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2.Use
2.1Predictive Future
Future simple can express predictive future, it describes known facts, or what we suppose is true, predictions based on the speaker's knowledge. We use this tense to say what we know or believe about the future (not what someone has already decided).
| Example | Comment |
|---|---|
| He will not refund this money. | He never does, I know it. It's a prediction based on my knowledge. |
| The elevator will break down. | This brand doesn't last long. It's a prediction based on my knowledge. |
| - Do you think Ann will pass the exam? - Yes, she's a good driver. She'll pass it easily. |
My friend believes that Ann will pass the driving test. He is predicting the future. It is based on his knowledge about Ann's skills. |
| Anna looks completely different now. You won't recognise her. | I believe you won't. I am predicting that because I suppose it. You haven't seen her for ages! |
| They've been away a long time. When they return, they'll find a lot of changes here. | That's a known fact that there are lots changes and I suppose they will see them all. |
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2.2Immediate Decisions (not plans!)
Future simple can be used to express immediate decisions or immediate intentions based on an impulse. You haven't thought about it or planned it before.
| Example | Comment |
|---|---|
| - I've left my purse in the car. - I'll lend you some money. |
I had no plan. It's my decision based on an impulse. |
| Oh, I've left the door open. I'll go and shut it. | I have just come up with the idea. It is based on an impulse. |
| - What would you like to drink? - I'll have orange juice, please. |
I haven't planned that. It is my spontaneous decision. |
| - Have you called John? - Nope, but I'll call him now. |
It's my spontaneous decision. I haven't thought about it before. |
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2.3Promises, Requests/Offers, Hopes, Opinions, Threats, ...
Future simple can be used to express hopes, expectations, promises, polite requests and offers, opinions, threats etc.
Future simple is often used after such verbs and verb phrases like assume, be
afraid, be sure, believe, doubt, expect, hope, suppose, think etc.
You can show uncertainty by using Future Simple with adverbs like perhaps, possibly, probably, surely etc.
| Example | Comment |
|---|---|
| I hope she'll get the job she's applied for. | I hope so. |
| I hope he will win the match. | My hope or expectation. |
| I will help you! | My promise. |
| Will you help me? | It is a polite request. |
| Will you come with me? | It is an offer. I want you to come with me. |
| I think he will be a good teacher. | My opinion. |
| Stop shouting or I will call the police! | It sounds like a threat. |
| Ask him again. Perhaps he'll change his mind. | It' s my opinion but I express lack of certainty here. |
| Thanks for lending me the money. I'll pay you back on Friday. | I promise. |
| I won't tell anyone what happened. | I promise. |
| Will you please turn the music down? It's too loud. | A polite request. = please turn the music down. |
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3.Frequently asked questions
When do you use the future simple (will)?
Use the future simple (will + verb) for predictions, decisions made while speaking, and promises, offers or requests. For example: "She's a good driver. She'll pass easily" (a prediction from what you know), "I'll call him now" (a decision made just now), "I'll pay you back on Friday" (a promise). For plans you made before speaking, English usually uses "be going to" or the present continuous instead: "I'm going to visit my aunt next week".
Is it correct to say "I think it rains tomorrow" instead of "I think it will rain"?
No: after I think, I'm sure or I suppose, a future event takes will. Say "I think it will rain tomorrow", not "I think it rains tomorrow". The same goes for probably and perhaps: "Perhaps he'll change his mind." I hope is different. Both "I hope she gets the job" and "I hope she'll get the job" are correct.
Future simple: is it "will go", "will to go" or "will going"?
The correct form is "will go": in the future simple, will takes the base form of the verb, with no "to" and no ending. Say "She will help you", not "She will to help you", "She will helping you" or "She will helps you". Will is the same for every subject: "I will", "he will", "they will". Its short form is "'ll", as in "I'll go".
Future simple negative: is it "will not" or "not will"?
It is "will not", or the short form "won't": in a future simple negative, not comes after will and before the verb. Say "I won't tell anyone", not "I not will tell anyone". In questions, will moves before the subject: "Will you help me?", "What will you do?" In every sentence type, the verb after will stays in its base form.
Will or would: which one do you use for the future?
Use will for the future simple: "I will help you tomorrow", not "I would help you tomorrow". Would is not the future simple; it is mainly used for imagined situations or things that depend on a condition, as in "I would help you, but I'm busy". In requests, both are possible: "Will you turn the music down?" is fine, and "Would you turn the music down?" sounds a little more polite.
