Future Simple

Elementary

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
+	S + will + Verb + ...	I will definitely help you.
-	S + will not/ won't + Verb +...	No! I won't go there!
?	(QW) + will + S + Verb + ...?	What will you do if he comes? Will you help me with the test?

Practice Examples

Put the verb into the future simple tense.

I (eat) _____ lunch at 1 PM.

Put the verb into the future simple tense.

She (go) _____ to the store later.

Put the verb into the future simple tense.

We (play) _____ soccer tomorrow.

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.

Practice Examples

Put the verb into the correct tense. Mind the given context.

He (miss) _____ the train. (He's always late. A prediction based on my knowledge about him).

Put the verb into the correct tense. Mind the given context.

She (forget) _____ to bring her keys. (She does this often. A prediction based on my knowledge about her).

Put the verb into the correct tense. Mind the given context.

They (cancel) _____ the meeting. (They always cancel at the last minute. A prediction based on my knowledge about their habits).

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.