Mastering the future tense is crucial for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. It allows them to express intentions, make predictions, and discuss future events confidently.
This comprehensive guide provides ESL teachers with a structured lesson plan, detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises to effectively teach the future tense. Understanding the nuances of “will,” “going to,” present continuous, and simple present for future events will empower students to communicate accurately and fluently about the future.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Future Tense
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Future Tense
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
The future tense is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, enabling us to talk about events that have not yet occurred. For ESL learners, mastering the future tense is essential for expressing plans, predictions, promises, and scheduled events.
This lesson plan is designed to equip ESL teachers with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively teach the various forms of the future tense. By understanding the nuances of each form, students can confidently communicate about future events in a variety of contexts.
This article provides a structured approach, detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises to facilitate effective learning.
This lesson plan caters to ESL learners of various proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced students. It breaks down complex concepts into manageable parts, making it easier for students to grasp the different forms and usages of the future tense.
The inclusion of numerous examples and practice exercises allows students to reinforce their understanding and apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. Furthermore, the lesson plan addresses common mistakes made by ESL learners, helping them to avoid errors and improve their accuracy.
By following this guide, ESL teachers can empower their students to communicate confidently and effectively about the future.
Definition of Future Tense
The future tense is a grammatical tense used to indicate actions or events that will happen at some point in the future. It allows us to express intentions, predictions, plans, and scheduled events.
In English, the future tense is not expressed through a single verb form but rather through various constructions, each with its own specific usage and nuance. These constructions include “will,” “going to,” the present continuous, and the simple present, among others.
The primary function of the future tense is to indicate that an action or event will occur after the present moment. It allows us to project ourselves into the future and discuss possibilities, make promises, and express our intentions.
The choice of which future tense construction to use depends on the context, the speaker’s intention, and the level of certainty about the event. For instance, “will” is often used for spontaneous decisions and predictions, while “going to” is used for pre-planned intentions.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ESL learners to communicate accurately and effectively about the future.
Structural Breakdown
The future tense in English is formed using various auxiliary verbs and verb forms. Each construction has its own specific structure, which must be understood to use it correctly.
The most common structures involve the auxiliary verbs “will” and “be going to,” but the present continuous and simple present can also be used to express future events under certain circumstances.
- “Will” Future: This construction uses the auxiliary verb “will” followed by the base form of the main verb. The structure is: Subject + will + base form of verb. Example: I will travel to Europe next year.
- “Going to” Future: This construction uses the auxiliary verb “be” (am, is, are) followed by “going to” and the base form of the main verb. The structure is: Subject + be (am/is/are) + going to + base form of verb. Example: She is going to study medicine.
- Present Continuous for Future: This construction uses the present continuous form of the verb (be + verb-ing) to indicate a planned future event, often with a specific time or arrangement. The structure is: Subject + be (am/is/are) + verb-ing. Example: They are arriving tomorrow morning.
- Simple Present for Future: This construction uses the simple present tense to indicate a scheduled future event, often related to timetables or fixed schedules. The structure is: Subject + base form of verb (or verb + -s/-es for third-person singular). Example: The train leaves at 6:00 PM.
- Future Perfect: This tense uses “will have” + past participle of the verb. For example: I will have finished my work by tomorrow.
- Future Continuous: This tense uses “will be” + present participle of the verb. For example: I will be studying at 8 pm tonight.
Types and Categories of Future Tense
The future tense in English encompasses several different forms, each with its own specific usage and nuance. These forms include the “will” future, the “going to” future, the present continuous for future arrangements, and the simple present for scheduled events.
Understanding the differences between these forms is crucial for ESL learners to communicate accurately and effectively about the future.
“Will” Future
The “will” future is used to express spontaneous decisions, predictions, promises, and general future facts. It is often used when the speaker makes a decision at the moment of speaking or when expressing a belief about what will happen in the future.
The “will” future is also used to make promises and offers.
For example, if someone asks “Can you help me with this?”, you might respond, “I will help you.” This is a spontaneous decision made in response to the request. Similarly, if you believe that it will rain tomorrow, you might say, “It will rain tomorrow.” This is a prediction based on your belief or knowledge.
The “will” future is a versatile form that can be used in a variety of contexts.
“Going to” Future
The “going to” future is used to express pre-planned intentions and predictions based on present evidence. It indicates that the speaker has already made a decision or plan to do something in the future.
It is also used when there is clear evidence in the present that something is likely to happen in the future.
For example, if you have already decided to take a vacation next month, you might say, “I am going to take a vacation next month.” This indicates a pre-planned intention. Similarly, if you see dark clouds in the sky, you might say, “It is going to rain.” This is a prediction based on present evidence.
The “going to” future emphasizes the speaker’s intention or the likelihood of an event based on current circumstances.
Present Continuous for Future
The present continuous is used to express future arrangements, often with a specific time or arrangement. It indicates that the speaker has made definite plans for the future, and these plans are often confirmed or arranged with others.
The use of the present continuous for future events implies a higher degree of certainty than the “will” or “going to” future.
For example, if you have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for tomorrow, you might say, “I am seeing the doctor tomorrow.” This indicates a definite arrangement. Similarly, if you are meeting your friends for dinner on Friday, you might say, “We are having dinner on Friday.” The present continuous for future events emphasizes the planned and arranged nature of the event.
Simple Present for Future
The simple present is used to express scheduled future events, often related to timetables or fixed schedules. It is commonly used for events that are part of a fixed schedule, such as train departures, movie screenings, or public events.
The simple present for future events emphasizes the scheduled and fixed nature of the event.
For example, if a train is scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM, you might say, “The train leaves at 5:00 PM.” Similarly, if a movie is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM, you might say, “The movie starts at 7:00 PM.” The simple present for future events is typically used for events that are beyond the speaker’s control and are part of a fixed schedule.
Future Perfect
The future perfect tense describes an action that will be completed before a specific time in the future. It emphasizes the completion of an action by a certain point in time.
For example, “I will have finished my work by tomorrow” indicates that the work will be completed before tomorrow arrives. It is formed using “will have” + past participle of the verb.
Future Continuous
The future continuous tense describes an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. It emphasizes the duration of an action at a particular point in time.
For example, “I will be studying at 8 pm tonight” indicates that the action of studying will be ongoing at 8 pm. It is formed using “will be” + present participle of the verb.
Examples
To further illustrate the different forms of the future tense, here are some examples organized by category. These examples demonstrate the specific usage and nuance of each form in various contexts.
Understanding these examples will help ESL learners to use the future tense accurately and confidently.
The following tables provide a comprehensive set of examples for each type of future tense, focusing on their specific usage and context. These examples are designed to help ESL learners understand the nuances of each form and apply them correctly in their own communication.
“Will” Future Examples
The table below provides examples of the “will” future in different contexts, including spontaneous decisions, predictions, promises, and general future facts.
| Category | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Spontaneous Decision | I will answer the phone. |
| Spontaneous Decision | I will have the steak, please. |
| Spontaneous Decision | I will help you with your homework. |
| Spontaneous Decision | I will open the door. |
| Spontaneous Decision | I will pay for dinner tonight. |
| Prediction | It will rain tomorrow. |
| Prediction | She will be a successful doctor. |
| Prediction | They will win the game. |
| Prediction | He will pass the exam. |
| Prediction | The economy will improve next year. |
| Promise | I will always love you. |
| Promise | I will call you later. |
| Promise | I will be there for you. |
| Promise | I will keep your secret. |
| Promise | I will never forget you. |
| General Future Fact | Summer will come after spring. |
| General Future Fact | The sun will rise tomorrow. |
| General Future Fact | Humans will explore other planets. |
| General Future Fact | Technology will continue to advance. |
| General Future Fact | The population will increase. |
| Offer | I will carry your bags. |
| Offer | I will make you some tea. |
| Offer | I will drive you home. |
| Offer | I will help you clean up. |
| Offer | I will lend you my book. |
“Going to” Future Examples
The table below provides examples of the “going to” future in different contexts, including pre-planned intentions and predictions based on present evidence.
| Category | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Pre-planned Intention | I am going to study abroad next year. |
| Pre-planned Intention | She is going to start her own business. |
| Pre-planned Intention | They are going to buy a new house. |
| Pre-planned Intention | He is going to learn how to play the guitar. |
| Pre-planned Intention | We are going to visit our grandparents. |
| Prediction based on Evidence | It is going to rain; look at those clouds. |
| Prediction based on Evidence | She is going to have a baby; she is pregnant. |
| Prediction based on Evidence | They are going to be late; there is a lot of traffic. |
| Prediction based on Evidence | He is going to fail the exam; he hasn’t studied. |
| Prediction based on Evidence | The team is going to win; they are playing very well. |
| Plans | I am going to travel to Japan next summer. |
| Plans | She is going to graduate in May. |
| Plans | They are going to get married next year. |
| Plans | He is going to apply for a new job. |
| Plans | We are going to have a party. |
| Intentions | I am going to start exercising regularly. |
| Intentions | She is going to read more books this year. |
| Intentions | They are going to learn a new language. |
| Intentions | He is going to quit smoking. |
| Intentions | We are going to eat healthier. |
Present Continuous for Future Examples
The table below provides examples of the present continuous used to express future arrangements, often with a specific time or arrangement.
| Category | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Arrangement | I am seeing the doctor tomorrow. |
| Arrangement | She is meeting her friends for lunch. |
| Arrangement | They are arriving tomorrow morning. |
| Arrangement | He is playing tennis this afternoon. |
| Arrangement | We are having dinner with our family. |
| Confirmed Plans | I am flying to Paris next week. |
| Confirmed Plans | She is moving to New York in July. |
| Confirmed Plans | They are getting married in June. |
| Confirmed Plans | He is starting his new job on Monday. |
| Confirmed Plans | We are attending a conference next month. |
| Appointments | I am visiting my dentist next Tuesday. |
| Appointments | She is attending a yoga class this evening. |
| Appointments | They are having a meeting with the manager. |
| Appointments | He is going to a job interview. |
| Appointments | We are seeing a movie tonight. |
| Social Events | I am going to the party tonight. |
| Social Events | She is attending a concert this weekend. |
| Social Events | They are celebrating their anniversary. |
| Social Events | He is hosting a barbecue next Sunday. |
| Social Events | We are going to a wedding. |
Simple Present for Future Examples
The table below provides examples of the simple present used to express scheduled future events, often related to timetables or fixed schedules.
| Category | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Timetable | The train leaves at 5:00 PM. |
| Timetable | The movie starts at 7:00 PM. |
| Timetable | The plane arrives at 10:00 AM. |
| Timetable | The bus departs at 6:30 AM. |
| Timetable | The meeting begins at 9:00 AM. |
| Fixed Schedule | School starts next week. |
| Fixed Schedule | The semester ends in December. |
| Fixed Schedule | The holiday begins on Friday. |
| Fixed Schedule | The conference takes place next month. |
| Fixed Schedule | The concert is on Saturday. |
| Public Events | The festival starts tomorrow. |
| Public Events | The exhibition opens next week. |
| Public Events | The play begins on Tuesday. |
| Public Events | The election is held in November. |
| Public Events | The ceremony takes place in the park. |
| Routines | The sun rises at 6 am. |
| Routines | The bank opens at 9 am. |
| Routines | The store closes at 10 pm. |
| Routines | My class starts at 8 am. |
| Routines | The library opens at 7 am. |
Usage Rules
To use the future tense correctly, it is important to follow certain usage rules. These rules govern the choice of which future tense construction to use in different contexts.
Understanding these rules will help ESL learners to avoid errors and communicate accurately and effectively about the future.
- Use “will” for spontaneous decisions, predictions without evidence, promises, and offers.
- Use “going to” for pre-planned intentions and predictions based on present evidence.
- Use the present continuous for future arrangements with a specific time or arrangement.
- Use the simple present for scheduled future events related to timetables or fixed schedules.
- When making predictions, consider the level of certainty. If you are certain, use “going to” when there is evidence. If you are less certain, use “will.”
- Be mindful of the context. The context of the conversation will often dictate which future tense construction is most appropriate.
Common Mistakes
ESL learners often make common mistakes when using the future tense. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
By being aware of these common mistakes, ESL learners can avoid them and improve their accuracy.
The following table highlights some common mistakes made by ESL learners when using the future tense, along with corrected examples. Understanding these mistakes and how to correct them will help students improve their accuracy and fluency.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I will to go to the store. | I am going to go to the store. | “Going to” requires the auxiliary verb “be” (am, is, are). |
| I am will go to the party. | I will go to the party. | “Will” is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| The train is leave at 6:00 PM. | The train leaves at 6:00 PM. | The simple present is used for scheduled events. |
| I going to study English. | I am going to study English. | “Going to” requires the auxiliary verb “be” (am, is, are). |
| I will going to travel. | I am going to travel. | “Will” and “going to” should not be used together. |
| She will arrives tomorrow. | She will arrive tomorrow. | “Will” is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| They are going to studied hard. | They are going to study hard. | “Going to” is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| He is will be late. | He will be late. | “Will” is used for predictions. |
| We are going to went to the beach. | We are going to go to the beach. | “Going to” is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| I am see the doctor tomorrow. | I am seeing the doctor tomorrow. | The present continuous is used for future arrangements. |
Practice Exercises
To reinforce understanding and practice using the future tense, here are some practice exercises. These exercises cover the different forms of the future tense and provide opportunities for ESL learners to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios.
Each exercise includes a variety of question types and difficulty levels to cater to different proficiency levels.
Complete the following exercises to test your understanding of the future tense. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of the future tense, providing a comprehensive review of the concepts covered in this lesson plan.
Exercise 1: “Will” or “Going to”
Choose the correct form of the future tense (“will” or “going to”) to complete the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I think it ______ rain tomorrow. | will |
| I ______ visit my grandparents next week. (pre-planned) | am going to |
| ______ you help me with this? | Will |
| She ______ be a doctor one day. | will |
| They ______ buy a new car next month. (pre-planned) | are going to |
| I ______ answer the door. | will |
| He ______ travel to Europe next year. (pre-planned) | is going to |
| We ______ have a party next Saturday. (pre-planned) | are going to |
| It looks like it ______ snow. | is going to |
| I promise I ______ call you later. | will |
Exercise 2: Present Continuous or Simple Present for Future
Choose the correct form of the future tense (present continuous or simple present) to complete the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The train ______ at 6:00 PM. | leaves |
| I ______ the doctor tomorrow. | am seeing |
| The movie ______ at 8:00 PM. | starts |
| She ______ her friends for lunch. | is meeting |
| They ______ tomorrow morning. | are arriving |
| The plane ______ at 10:00 AM. | arrives |
| He ______ tennis this afternoon. | is playing |
| We ______ dinner with our family. | are having |
| School ______ next week. | starts |
| The bus ______ at 7:00 AM. | departs |
Exercise 3: Mixed Future Tense
Choose the correct form of the future tense to complete the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I think I ______ go to the gym later. | will |
| She ______ study medicine next year. (pre-planned) | is going to |
| They ______ get married in June. (arranged) | are getting |
| The bus ______ at 7:30 AM. | leaves |
| I ______ help you with your homework. | will |
| It looks like it ______ rain. | is going to |
| We ______ visit Paris next summer. (pre-planned) | are going to |
| He ______ start his new job on Monday. (arranged) | is starting |
| I promise I ______ be there for you. | will |
| The meeting ______ at 9:00 AM. | begins |
Advanced Topics
For advanced ESL learners, exploring more complex aspects of the future tense can further enhance their understanding and fluency. These advanced topics include the use of “shall,” conditional sentences, and the future in the past.
- “Shall”: While less common in modern English, “shall” is sometimes used instead of “will” in formal contexts, particularly in British English. It is typically used with “I” and “we” for offers, suggestions, or to express determination. Example: Shall we go for a walk?
- Conditional Sentences: Conditional sentences often involve the future tense in the main clause. These sentences express a hypothetical situation and its likely outcome. Example: If it rains, I will stay home.
- Future in the Past: This construction is used to talk about what someone thought or planned would happen in the future, but from a past perspective. It is formed using “was/were going to” or “would.” Example: I thought it was going to rain.
- Future Perfect Continuous: This tense describes an action that will have been in progress for a period of time before another point in the future. Example: By next year, I will have been studying English for five years.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the future tense in English, along with detailed answers to help clarify any confusion.
- What is the difference between “will” and “going to”?
“Will” is used for spontaneous decisions, predictions without evidence, promises, and offers. “Going to” is used for pre-planned intentions and predictions based on present evidence. The choice depends on whether the decision was made at the moment of speaking or was planned in advance.
- When should I use the present continuous for future events?
Use the present continuous for future arrangements with a specific time or arrangement. This indicates that the plans are confirmed and arranged with others.
- Why is the simple present sometimes used to talk about the future?
The simple present is used for scheduled future events that are part of a timetable or fixed schedule, such as train departures or movie screenings. This emphasizes the scheduled and fixed nature of the event.
- Can I use “will” for pre-planned intentions?
While it is possible, it is generally more appropriate to use “going to” for pre-planned intentions. Using “will” in this context may imply that the decision was made at the moment of speaking, rather than planned in advance.
- How do I make a negative sentence in the future tense?
To make a negative sentence with “will,” use “will not” or the contraction “won’t.” To make a negative sentence with “going to,” use “be not going to” (e.g., “I am not going to go”).
- What are conditional sentences and how do they relate to the future tense?
Conditional sentences express a hypothetical situation and its likely outcome. They often involve the future tense in the main clause to indicate what will happen if the condition is met. For example, “If it rains, I will stay home.”
- Is “shall” still used in modern English?
While less common, “shall” is still used in formal contexts, particularly in British English. It is typically used with “I” and “we” for offers, suggestions, or to express determination.
- How can I practice using the future tense effectively?
Practice using the future tense by writing sentences, engaging in conversations, and completing exercises. Pay attention to the context and choose the appropriate form of the future tense for each situation. Seek feedback from native speakers or teachers to identify and correct any errors.
Conclusion
Mastering the future tense is an essential step for ESL learners to communicate effectively and confidently in English. This lesson plan has provided a comprehensive overview of the different forms of the future tense, including “will,” “going to,” the present continuous, and the simple present.
By understanding the specific usage and nuance of each form, ESL learners can express intentions, make predictions, and discuss future events with accuracy and fluency.
Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context when choosing the appropriate form of the future tense. By avoiding common mistakes and seeking feedback from native speakers or teachers, ESL learners can continue to improve their understanding and use of the future tense.
With consistent effort and practice, mastering the future tense will become second nature, allowing ESL learners to communicate confidently and effectively about the future.