THE FUTURE

•It is used to express timetables, routines and schedules.

1. FUTURE: PRESENT SIMPLE

Ex. The train for London leaves at 10:30.

Next term starts on 6 April.

Do you have classes next Saturday?

2. FUTURE: PRESENT CONTINUOUS

• It is used for future personal arrangements and fixed plans. We often give time, date and/or place.

Ex. “What are you doing this evening?”

“We’re meeting our friends.”

- My car is having a service next week.

- We are going to Spain in June.

- I’m playing tennis with Ben on Sunday.

3. FUTURE: Be going to

• To talk about plans, decisions, firm intentions, especially in an informal style, and predictions based on evidence.

Ex. - We are going to get a new car soon.

- Jane is going to study music in Vienna.

- I’m going to go to university. I’ve passed all

my exams. - “Look at those clouds, it’s going to rain.

- “Look out – we’re going to crash!”

3. FUTURE: WILL

•It is used to predict the future, to say what we think, guess, hope or calculate. (I think, I hope, I don’t think, I’m sure and maybe)

Ex. -Tomorrow will be warm, with some clouds in

the afternoon.

- I hope that our team will win the competition.

- I don’t think I’ll get married soon.

- I’m sure they’ll win the match.

- I won’t win the lottery.

•To express sudden decisions while you are talking.

Ex. - I like that top – I think I’ll buy it.

- “I’m cold.” “I’ll lend you my coat.”

- “Are you going to the library? I’ll come with you.”

In predictions:

• Present forms (be going to) – outside evidence

Ex. Look out – we’re going to crash!

•Will – inside our heads (our beliefs, guesses, knowledge) Ex. Don’t lend him your car- he’ll crash it (I know him)