Understanding and using the future tense is a crucial step in your English language journey. At the A2 level, you’ll learn to express your plans, predictions, and intentions about the future in a simple and effective way.
This article will guide you through the different forms of the future tense, providing clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help you master this essential grammar point. Whether you’re preparing for an exam, traveling, or simply want to improve your communication skills, this guide is designed to help you confidently talk about what’s to come.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of the Future Tense
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Future Tense for A2
- Will Future
- Going to Future
- Present Continuous for Future Arrangements
- Examples of Future Tense
- Will Future Examples
- Going to Future Examples
- Present Continuous for Future Examples
- Usage Rules
- Will Future Usage Rules
- Going to Future Usage Rules
- Present Continuous for Future Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Exercise 1: Will or Going To?
- Exercise 2: Present Continuous or Going To?
- Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
- Advanced Topics (Brief Overview)
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of the Future Tense
The future tense is used to express actions or events that will happen in the future. It allows us to talk about plans, predictions, intentions, and arrangements. In English, there isn’t a single “future tense” conjugation like in some languages. Instead, we use different auxiliary verbs and structures to express future time. At the A2 level, you’ll primarily focus on three main ways to talk about the future: will, going to, and the present continuous for planned events.
These different structures convey slightly different nuances. ‘Will’ is often used for spontaneous decisions, predictions, or promises.
‘Going to’ is used for pre-existing plans or intentions, and predictions based on present evidence. The present continuous is used for fixed arrangements with a specific time and place.
Understanding these distinctions is key to using the future tense correctly.
Structural Breakdown
Each future tense form has a specific structure. Let’s break down the components of each one:
- Will Future: Subject + will + base form of the verb
- Going to Future: Subject + be (am, is, are) + going to + base form of the verb
- Present Continuous for Future: Subject + be (am, is, are) + verb + -ing
The auxiliary verbs (will, be) are crucial for forming the future tense. The base form of the verb is the infinitive form without ‘to’ (e.g., go, eat, play).
The present continuous uses the -ing form of the verb, which is also used in other continuous tenses.
Types of Future Tense for A2
At the A2 level, we focus on three main ways to express the future:
Will Future
The will future is used for spontaneous decisions, predictions, offers, promises, and general facts about the future. It’s often used when we decide something at the moment of speaking.
Going to Future
The going to future is used for pre-existing plans, intentions, and predictions based on present evidence. It indicates that you’ve already made a decision or that something is likely to happen based on what you see now.
Present Continuous for Future Arrangements
The present continuous is used to talk about fixed arrangements in the future, usually involving other people and a specific time and place. It implies that preparations have already been made.
Examples of Future Tense
Let’s look at some examples of each type of future tense in different contexts. The following tables provide clear and varied examples to illustrate their usage.
Will Future Examples
The table below shows various examples of the ‘will future’ in different situations, such as predictions, promises, and spontaneous decisions.
| Category | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Prediction | I think it will rain tomorrow. |
| Spontaneous Decision | I‘ll have a cup of coffee, please. |
| Offer | I‘ll help you with your homework. |
| Promise | I will always remember you. |
| General Fact | Summer will be hot. |
| Prediction | She thinks the team will win the game. |
| Spontaneous Decision | “It’s cold.” “I‘ll close the window.” |
| Offer | Will you have some tea? I‘ll make it for you. |
| Promise | I will call you when I arrive. |
| General Fact | The sun will rise in the east. |
| Prediction | They think he will get the job. |
| Spontaneous Decision | “I’m hungry.” “I‘ll make you a sandwich.” |
| Offer | I‘ll carry your bags for you. |
| Promise | I will be there for you. |
| General Fact | The leaves will change color in autumn. |
| Prediction | He believes that technology will improve our lives. |
| Spontaneous Decision | “I don’t understand this.” “I‘ll explain it to you.” |
| Offer | I‘ll drive you to the station. |
| Promise | I will never forget your kindness. |
| General Fact | The days will get shorter in winter. |
Going to Future Examples
The table below provides examples of the ‘going to future’ used for pre-existing plans and predictions based on present evidence.
| Category | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing Plan | I‘m going to study abroad next year. |
| Prediction (Evidence) | Look at those dark clouds! It‘s going to rain. |
| Intention | We‘re going to visit our grandparents this weekend. |
| Plan | She‘s going to start a new job next month. |
| Prediction (Evidence) | He‘s going to be very successful. He works so hard. |
| Pre-existing Plan | They‘re going to buy a new car soon. |
| Prediction (Evidence) | The economy is going to improve next year. |
| Intention | I‘m going to learn to play the guitar. |
| Plan | She‘s going to write a book. |
| Prediction (Evidence) | The traffic is going to be terrible because of the accident. |
| Pre-existing Plan | We‘re going to have a party for his birthday. |
| Prediction (Evidence) | The price of gas is going to increase. |
| Intention | I‘m going to exercise more often. |
| Plan | He‘s going to renovate his house. |
| Prediction (Evidence) | She‘s going to pass the exam. She has studied a lot. |
| Pre-existing Plan | They‘re going to travel to Europe. |
| Prediction (Evidence) | The stock market is going to crash. |
| Intention | I‘m going to quit smoking. |
| Plan | She‘s going to paint her bedroom. |
| Prediction (Evidence) | He‘s going to get promoted. He is very talented. |
Present Continuous for Future Examples
This table illustrates how to use the present continuous tense to talk about fixed arrangements in the future.
| Category | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Fixed Arrangement | I‘m meeting John for lunch tomorrow. |
| Planned Event | They‘re getting married next month. |
| Scheduled Activity | She‘s flying to Paris on Friday. |
| Future Plan (Confirmed) | We‘re having a party next Saturday. |
| Firm Arrangement | He‘s playing football this afternoon. |
| Fixed Arrangement | I‘m seeing the doctor next week. |
| Planned Event | They‘re moving to a new house next year. |
| Scheduled Activity | She‘s attending a conference next Monday. |
| Future Plan (Confirmed) | We‘re visiting our relatives this summer. |
| Firm Arrangement | He‘s performing in a concert tonight. |
| Fixed Arrangement | I‘m taking a dance class next semester. |
| Planned Event | They‘re celebrating their anniversary this weekend. |
| Scheduled Activity | She‘s leaving for vacation next Thursday. |
| Future Plan (Confirmed) | We‘re watching a movie at the cinema. |
| Firm Arrangement | He‘s working late tomorrow. |
| Fixed Arrangement | I‘m having a meeting with the boss. |
| Planned Event | They‘re launching a new product next year. |
| Scheduled Activity | She‘s giving a presentation tomorrow. |
| Future Plan (Confirmed) | We‘re going camping. |
| Firm Arrangement | He‘s visiting his mom. |
Usage Rules
Understanding the specific usage rules for each future tense form is crucial for accurate communication. Each form has its own context and implications.
Will Future Usage Rules
- Use will for spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking.
- Use will for predictions based on personal opinions or beliefs.
- Use will for offers to help someone.
- Use will for promises.
- Use will for general facts about the future that are certain to happen.
Going to Future Usage Rules
- Use going to for pre-existing plans or intentions that you’ve already decided on.
- Use going to for predictions based on present evidence or signs.
Present Continuous for Future Usage Rules
- Use the present continuous for fixed arrangements in the future, usually involving other people and specific times and places.
- The arrangement should be definite and confirmed.
It’s important to remember that these rules are guidelines, and there can be some overlap in usage. However, understanding the core functions of each form will help you choose the most appropriate one.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make mistakes when using the future tense. Here are some common errors and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I will to go to the store. | I will go to the store. | ‘Will’ is followed by the base form of the verb, not ‘to’ + verb. |
| I am going to visiting my friend. | I am going to visit my friend. | ‘Going to’ is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| I am going to the party tomorrow (no arrangement). | I will go to the party tomorrow. | Use ‘will’ for a simple decision, not a fixed arrangement. |
| I will meet John tomorrow (no arrangement). | I am meeting John tomorrow. | Use present continuous for a fixed arrangement. |
| I going to study. | I am going to study. | The ‘be’ verb (am, is, are) is required before ‘going to’. |
| She will be study. | She will study. | ‘Will’ is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| They are going to travels. | They are going to travel. | ‘Going to’ is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| He is going arrive late. | He is going to arrive late. | ‘Going to’ is required before the base form of the verb. |
| I will meeting you. | I am meeting you. / I will meet you. | ‘Will meeting’ is incorrect. Use present continuous for arrangements, or ‘will meet’ for a promise/decision. |
| It is rain tomorrow. | It will rain tomorrow. / It is going to rain tomorrow. | You need to include ‘will’ or ‘going to’ to express future time. |
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can avoid them and improve your accuracy when using the future tense.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the future tense with these exercises. Each exercise focuses on different aspects of the future tense forms.
Exercise 1: Will or Going To?
Choose the correct form: will or going to.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I think it ______ (rain) tomorrow. | will rain |
| 2. Look at those clouds! It ______ (rain). | is going to rain |
| 3. I ______ (help) you with your homework. | will help |
| 4. We ______ (visit) Paris next summer. (It’s already planned) | are going to visit |
| 5. “I’m hungry.” “I ______ (make) you a sandwich.” | will make |
| 6. She ______ (be) a doctor. She’s studying medicine. | is going to be |
| 7. They ______ (move) to a new city next year. (They’ve decided) | are going to move |
| 8. The sun ______ (rise) in the east. | will rise |
| 9. I promise I ______ (call) you tomorrow. | will call |
| 10. He thinks he ______ (get) the job. | will get |
Exercise 2: Present Continuous or Going To?
Choose the correct form: Present Continuous or Going To.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I ______ (meet) my friend for coffee tomorrow. (It’s arranged) | am meeting |
| 2. They ______ (get) married next month. (They’ve planned it) | are getting |
| 3. We ______ (have) a party next Saturday. (Everything is booked) | are having |
| 4. She ______ (fly) to Rome next week. (She has the ticket) | is flying |
| 5. He ______ (play) football this afternoon. (It’s on the schedule) | is playing |
| 6. I ______ (visit) my grandparents this weekend. (It’s planned) | am going to visit |
| 7. Look at the traffic! We ______ (be) late. | are going to be |
| 8. I ______ (start) a new project soon. (I’ve decided) | am going to start |
| 9. She ______ (write) a book. (It’s her intention) | is going to write |
| 10. They ______ (buy) a new house. (They’ve saved money) | are going to buy |
Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences with the correct future tense form of the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I ______ (travel) to Italy next year. (I’ve already booked the tickets.) | am traveling |
| 2. I think people ______ (live) on Mars in the future. | will live |
| 3. She ______ (study) medicine. It’s her dream. | is going to study |
| 4. They ______ (have) a meeting tomorrow at 10 AM. (It’s scheduled.) | are having |
| 5. If you need help, I ______ (help) you. | will help |
| 6. The weather ______ (be) nice tomorrow, according to the forecast. | will be |
| 7. He ______ (start) his new job next Monday. (It’s confirmed.) | is starting |
| 8. I ______ (call) you as soon as I arrive. (Promise) | will call |
| 9. They ______ (build) a new school in our town. (It’s planned.) | are going to build |
| 10. I ______ (have) dinner with my family tonight. (It’s arranged.) | am having |
Advanced Topics (Brief Overview)
While this article focuses on the core future tense forms for A2 learners, here’s a brief look at more advanced concepts:
- Future Perfect: Used to describe actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future (e.g., “By next year, I will have finished my studies.”).
- Future Continuous: Used to describe actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future (e.g., “I will be working at 9 AM tomorrow.”).
- Conditional Sentences: Using ‘will’ in conditional clauses to express future possibilities (e.g., “If it rains, I will stay home.”).
These topics are typically introduced at higher CEFR levels (B1 and above). Understanding the basics covered in this article will provide a strong foundation for learning these more complex structures.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the future tense:
- What is the difference between “will” and “going to”?
Will is generally used for spontaneous decisions, predictions based on opinion, offers, and promises. Going to is used for pre-existing plans, intentions, and predictions based on present evidence. Think of “will” as a more immediate, unplanned future, and “going to” as a future that’s already in motion.
- Can I use the present simple to talk about the future?
Yes, you can, but only for scheduled events with a fixed timetable, such as public transportation schedules or official events. For example: “The train leaves at 6 PM.”
- Is it always necessary to use a future tense when talking about the future?
Not always. Sometimes, the context makes it clear that you’re talking about the future, even if you use the present simple or present continuous. However, using a future tense form is generally more precise and avoids ambiguity.
- How do I make negative sentences with “will” and “going to”?
For “will,” add “not” after “will”: “I will not (won’t) go.” For “going to,” add “not” after the “be” verb: “I am not going to go.”
- How do I form questions with “will” and “going to”?
For “will,” invert the subject and “will”: “Will you go?” For “going to,” invert the subject and the “be” verb: “Are you going to go?”
- When should I use the present continuous for future arrangements?
Use the present continuous when you have a definite plan with a specific time and place, and often involving other people. The arrangement should be confirmed and preparations should be underway. For example, “I’m having dinner with my boss tomorrow night.”
- What is the difference between “I’m going to…” and “I’m going…” ?
When both are followed by a verb of movement (e.g., go, come), “I’m going…” usually refers to the action of physically going somewhere at that moment or very soon, while “I’m going to…” indicates a future plan or intention to go somewhere at a later time. For example, “I’m going to the store now” (leaving immediately) vs. “I’m going to visit Paris next year” (a future plan).
- Can I use ‘might’ or ‘may’ to talk about the future?
Yes, ‘might’ and ‘may’ can be used to express possibility in the future. They indicate a lower degree of certainty than ‘will’. For example: “It might rain tomorrow” or “I may go to the party, but I’m not sure yet.”
Conclusion
Mastering the future tense is essential for communicating effectively in English. By understanding the nuances of will, going to, and the present continuous, you can confidently express your plans, predictions, and arrangements. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which each form is used. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to navigate the future tense with ease and clarity.
Continue practicing with different exercises and real-life conversations to solidify your understanding. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process.
Keep exploring the English language, and you’ll continue to improve your grammar skills and fluency.