The simple future tense is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, allowing us to express actions or events that will occur in the future. Mastering this tense is crucial for effective communication, enabling us to make plans, predictions, promises, and express intentions.
This self-study guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking a solid foundation to advanced students aiming to refine their understanding and usage. By working through the explanations, examples, and exercises provided, you will gain confidence in using the simple future tense accurately and fluently.
Table of Contents
- Definition of the Simple Future Tense
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of the Simple Future Tense
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of the Simple Future Tense
The simple future tense is a verb tense used to describe actions or events that are expected to happen at a time later than the present. It expresses predictions, intentions, promises, offers, and future facts.
It is one of the most basic ways to talk about the future in English, and it’s essential for clear and effective communication about upcoming events.
The simple future tense is typically formed using the auxiliary verbs “will” or “shall” (though “shall” is less common in modern English, primarily used in formal contexts or suggestions) followed by the base form of the main verb. Another common way to express the simple future is using the structure “be going to” followed by the base form of the main verb. Both forms have slightly different nuances, which we will explore in detail below. Understanding these nuances is crucial for choosing the correct form for different situations.
Structural Breakdown
The simple future tense can be formed in two primary ways: using “will” and using “be going to.” Each structure has its own nuances and applications. Understanding the structure and application of each is key to mastering the simple future tense.
Using “Will”
The structure using “will” is straightforward: Subject + will + base form of the verb. “Will” does not change form regardless of the subject. This makes it easy to use and remember. It is often used for making predictions, expressing spontaneous decisions, and making offers or promises.
For example:
- I will go to the store.
- She will study for the exam.
- They will travel to Europe next year.
Using “Be Going To”
The structure using “be going to” is: Subject + be (am, is, are) + going to + base form of the verb. Here, the verb “be” must agree with the subject. This structure is typically used to express plans or intentions that were made before the moment of speaking, or to make predictions based on present evidence.
For example:
- I am going to visit my family.
- He is going to play basketball.
- We are going to have a picnic.
Subject-Verb Agreement
When using “be going to,” it is crucial to ensure that the “be” verb agrees with the subject. Here’s a quick reminder:
- I am
- He/She/It is
- We/You/They are
Incorrect subject-verb agreement can lead to confusion and grammatical errors. Always double-check that your “be” verb matches your subject.
Contractions
In spoken and informal written English, contractions are commonly used with the simple future tense. Here are some common contractions:
- I will = I’ll
- You will = You’ll
- He will = He’ll
- She will = She’ll
- It will = It’ll
- We will = We’ll
- They will = They’ll
For example:
- I’ll go to the party.
- She’ll be late.
Negative Forms
To form the negative simple future tense, we add “not” after “will” or “be.”
- With “will”: Subject + will + not + base form of the verb. (e.g., I will not go.) The contraction of “will not” is “won’t.” (e.g., I won’t go.)
- With “be going to”: Subject + be + not + going to + base form of the verb. (e.g., I am not going to go.)
For example:
- I will not (won’t) go to the concert.
- She is not going to eat the cake.
- They are not going to watch the movie.
Interrogative Forms (Questions)
To form questions in the simple future tense, we invert the subject and the auxiliary verb (“will” or “be”).
- With “will”: Will + subject + base form of the verb? (e.g., Will you go?)
- With “be going to”: Be + subject + going to + base form of the verb? (e.g., Are you going to go?)
For example:
- Will you come to the party?
- Is she going to travel to Japan?
- Are they going to buy a new car?
Types and Categories
The simple future tense is used in various contexts to express different types of future events or actions. Understanding these categories will help you use the tense more accurately and effectively.
Predictions
The simple future tense is often used to make predictions about what we think will happen in the future. These predictions can be based on personal beliefs, general knowledge, or current trends.
Both “will” and “be going to” can be used for predictions, but “will” is generally used for predictions based on opinion, while “be going to” is often used for predictions based on present evidence.
For example:
- It will rain tomorrow. (prediction based on weather forecast)
- The economy is going to improve next year. (prediction based on current economic indicators)
Intentions
The simple future tense, particularly “be going to,” is used to express intentions or plans that we have made for the future. These are actions that we have already decided to do.
For example:
- I am going to learn Spanish. (I have already decided to learn Spanish.)
- We are going to move to a new city. (We have already planned to move.)
Promises
The simple future tense with “will” is often used to make promises or assurances about future actions. This implies a commitment to perform the action.
For example:
- I will help you with your homework. (I promise to help.)
- We will always be there for you. (We promise to always support you.)
Offers
The simple future tense with “will” can also be used to make offers to do something for someone. This is a way of volunteering to help.
For example:
- I will carry your bags for you. (I offer to carry your bags.)
- We will drive you to the airport. (We offer to drive you.)
Future Facts
The simple future tense is used to state facts that will be true in the future. These are often related to time, age, or other inevitable events.
For example:
- The sun will rise tomorrow at 6:00 AM.
- I will be 30 years old next year.
Examples of the Simple Future Tense
To solidify your understanding of the simple future tense, let’s look at a variety of examples organized by category. These examples will illustrate how “will” and “be going to” are used in different contexts.
Examples with “Will”
The following table provides examples of the simple future tense using “will” in various contexts, including predictions, spontaneous decisions, offers, and promises. Each example is designed to illustrate a different usage of “will.”
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| I will call you later. | Promise |
| She will be here soon. | Prediction |
| They will arrive at 8 PM. | Future Fact |
| We will help you with the project. | Offer |
| He will probably win the race. | Prediction |
| It will be a great day. | Prediction |
| I will answer the phone. | Spontaneous decision |
| She will travel to Europe next year. | Plan/Prediction |
| They will understand the instructions. | Prediction |
| We will celebrate your birthday. | Plan |
| He will fix the car tomorrow. | Promise |
| It will snow in January. | Prediction |
| I will open the door. | Spontaneous decision |
| She will graduate next spring. | Future Fact |
| They will visit their grandparents. | Plan |
| We will finish the report by Friday. | Promise |
| He will become a doctor. | Prediction |
| It will be sunny tomorrow. | Prediction |
| I will pay for dinner. | Offer |
| She will learn to play the piano. | Plan |
| They will move to a new house. | Plan |
| We will clean the house. | Promise |
| He will start a new job. | Future Fact |
| It will be cold tonight. | Prediction |
| I will go to the gym. | Spontaneous decision |
| She will write a book. | Plan |
| They will buy a new car. | Plan |
Examples with “Be Going To”
The following table illustrates the use of “be going to” to express pre-existing plans, intentions, and predictions based on current evidence. Note the difference in nuance compared to the examples using “will.”
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| I am going to study tonight. | Intention |
| She is going to travel to Italy. | Plan |
| They are going to buy a new house. | Plan |
| We are going to have a party. | Plan |
| He is going to start a new job. | Intention |
| It is going to rain. (Look at those dark clouds!) | Prediction based on evidence |
| I am going to watch a movie. | Intention |
| She is going to learn French. | Plan |
| They are going to visit their family. | Plan |
| We are going to eat dinner. | Intention |
| He is going to play basketball. | Intention |
| It is going to be a long day. | Prediction based on evidence |
| I am going to read a book. | Intention |
| She is going to sing a song. | Intention |
| They are going to build a house. | Plan |
| We are going to write a letter. | Intention |
| He is going to run a marathon. | Plan |
| It is going to snow. | Prediction based on evidence |
| I am going to cook dinner. | Intention |
| She is going to dance all night. | Intention |
| They are going to paint the house. | Plan |
| We are going to travel abroad. | Plan |
| He is going to study medicine. | Plan |
| It is going to be hot. | Prediction based on evidence |
| I am going to relax. | Intention |
| She is going to buy a car. | Plan |
| They are going to sell their house. | Plan |
Predictions Examples
This table focuses specifically on examples of predictions using both “will” and “be going to.” Pay attention to the subtle differences in how these forms are used to express predictions.
| Sentence | Form | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| It will probably rain tomorrow. | Will | Prediction based on a general forecast. |
| It is going to rain. (Look at those clouds!) | Be Going To | Prediction based on current visible evidence. |
| The stock market will rise next year. | Will | Prediction based on opinion or expectation. |
| The economy is going to crash if interest rates keep rising. | Be Going To | Prediction based on current economic trends. |
| She will be a successful doctor one day. | Will | Prediction based on her current skills and dedication. |
| He is going to be famous; he’s incredibly talented. | Be Going To | Prediction based on his present talent. |
| They will win the game. | Will | Prediction based on a general expectation. |
| They are going to lose; their star player is injured. | Be Going To | Prediction based on a specific current condition. |
| I will pass the exam. | Will | Prediction based on hope or belief. |
| I am going to fail the exam if I don’t study. | Be Going To | Prediction based on a likely outcome given a current situation. |
| The world will be a better place in the future. | Will | General optimistic prediction. |
| The ice caps are going to melt if we don’t stop polluting. | Be Going To | Prediction based on current scientific evidence. |
| Our team will win the championship. | Will | A hopeful prediction. |
| Our team is going to win the championship; they have the best players. | Be Going To | Prediction based on the team’s current strength. |
| The price of gas will increase. | Will | A general expectation. |
| The price of gas is going to increase; there’s a shortage. | Be Going To | Prediction based on current market conditions. |
| She will be happy. | Will | A simple prediction of her future state. |
| She is going to be happy when she gets the promotion. | Be Going To | Prediction based on a specific upcoming event. |
| He will be successful in his career. | Will | A general prediction of his success. |
| He is going to be successful; he works very hard. | Be Going To | Prediction based on his current work ethic. |
Intentions Examples
This table provides examples of using “be going to” to express intentions. Remember that intentions are plans that have already been made.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I am going to start exercising regularly. | Expresses a planned change in lifestyle. |
| She is going to write a novel this year. | Indicates a planned creative project. |
| They are going to travel around the world. | Shows a planned long-term adventure. |
| We are going to learn a new language. | Indicates a planned educational pursuit. |
| He is going to renovate his house. | Expresses a planned home improvement project. |
| I am going to volunteer at the local shelter. | Expresses a planned act of community service. |
| She is going to take a photography course. | Indicates a planned skill-enhancement activity. |
| They are going to adopt a pet. | Shows a planned addition to their family. |
| We are going to host a dinner party. | Indicates a planned social event. |
| He is going to launch a new business. | Expresses a planned entrepreneurial venture. |
| I am going to paint my bedroom. | Expresses a planned home improvement. |
| She is going to apply for a new job. | Indicates a planned career move. |
| They are going to plant a garden. | Shows a planned outdoor activity. |
| We are going to attend a concert. | Indicates a planned leisure activity. |
| He is going to read more books. | Expresses a planned habit improvement. |
Promises Examples
This table focuses on examples of using “will” to make promises. Promises are assurances of future actions.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I will always love you. | Expresses a lasting commitment. |
| I will help you with your homework. | Assures assistance. |
| I will never forget you. | Expresses a lasting memory. |
| I will be there for you. | Promises support. |
| I will keep your secret. | Guarantees confidentiality. |
| I will pay you back. | Promises repayment. |
| I will take care of you. | Assures protection. |
| I will visit you soon. | Promises a future visit. |
| I will write you a letter. | Promises communication. |
| I will buy you a gift. | Promises a future present. |
| I will finish the project on time. | Assures timely completion. |
| I will call you every day. | Promises regular communication. |
| I will make you proud. | Expresses a desire to please. |
| I will never lie to you. | Promises honesty. |
| I will support your dreams. | Assures encouragement. |
Usage Rules
Understanding the specific rules governing the use of “will” and “be going to” is critical for accurate and natural communication in English. While both express future actions, they are not always interchangeable.
When to Use “Will”
Use “will” for:
- Spontaneous decisions: Actions decided at the moment of speaking. (e.g., “I’ll have the steak.”)
- Predictions based on opinion: Predictions without concrete evidence. (e.g., “I think it will rain tomorrow.”)
- Offers: Volunteering to do something. (e.g., “I will help you.”)
- Promises: Assurances of future actions. (e.g., “I will call you.”)
- Future facts: Statements of what will inevitably be true. (e.g., “The sun will rise tomorrow.”)
When to Use “Going To”
Use “be going to” for:
- Pre-existing plans: Actions already decided upon. (e.g., “I am going to visit my family.”)
- Predictions based on evidence: Predictions based on what is currently happening or visible. (e.g., “It is going to rain; look at those clouds!”)
In summary, “will” is more flexible and used for immediate reactions and general predictions, while “be going to” is used for more concrete plans and predictions based on present evidence.
Time Expressions
Several time expressions are commonly used with the simple future tense. These expressions help to specify when the future action will take place.
Common time expressions include:
- Tomorrow
- Next week/month/year
- In the future
- Soon
- Later
- In a few days/weeks/months
For example:
- I will see you tomorrow.
- She is going to travel to Europe next year.
- In the future, we will have flying cars.
Exceptions and Special Cases
While the above rules are generally applicable, there are some exceptions and special cases to be aware of:
- Formal Suggestions with “Shall”: In formal contexts, “shall” can be used to make suggestions, particularly in questions. (e.g., “Shall we go for a walk?”) This usage is less common in modern spoken English.
- Conditional Clauses: The simple future tense is not typically used in conditional clauses that begin with “if” or “when.” Instead, the simple present tense is used. (e.g., “If it rains, I will stay home.” NOT “If it will rain…”)
Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes can occur when using the simple future tense. Being aware of these errors will help you avoid them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I am will go to the store. | I will go to the store. | “Will” does not require “am.” |
| I going to go to the store. | I am going to go to the store. | “Be” verb is missing. |
| She are going to travel. | She is going to travel. | “Be” verb does not agree with the subject. |
| They is going to arrive. | They are going to arrive. | “Be” verb does not agree with the subject. |
| If it will rain, I will stay home. | If it rains, I will stay home. | Simple present is used in “if” clauses. |
| I will to go to the party. | I will go to the party. | “Will” is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| I am going to meeting him tomorrow. | I am going to meet him tomorrow. | Use the base form of the verb after “going to”. |
| He will not coming to the party. | He will not come to the party. | Use the base form of the verb after “will”. |
| Will you to help me? | Will you help me? | “Will” is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| I will going to the beach. | I am going to go to the beach. | Don’t mix “will” and “going to”. |
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of the simple future tense, complete the following practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the simple future tense (will or be going to).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I _______ (travel) to Japan next year. | 1. I am going to travel |
| 2. She _______ (call) you later. | 2. She will call |
| 3. They _______ (arrive) at 7 PM. | 3. They will arrive |
| 4. We _______ (have) a party next week. | 4. We are going to have |
| 5. He _______ (start) a new job soon. | 5. He is going to start |
| 6. It _______ (rain) tomorrow. (prediction) | 6. It will rain |
| 7. I _______ (help) you with your homework. | 7. I will help |
| 8. She _______ (study) medicine. (intention) | 8. She is going to study |
| 9. They _______ (buy) a new car. (plan) | 9. They are going to buy |
| 10. We _______ (finish) the project on time. | 10. We will finish |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Transform the following sentences into the simple future tense using both “will” and “be going to” where applicable. If a sentence only works with one form, explain why.
| Original Sentence | Simple Future with “Will” | Simple Future with “Be Going To” | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I plan to visit my grandmother. | I will visit my grandmother. | I am going to visit my grandmother. | |
| She intends to study abroad. | She will study abroad. | She is going to study abroad. | |
| They have decided to move to a new city. | They will move to a new city. | They are going to move to a new city. | |
| We promise to help you. | We will help you. | (Not typically used with “be going to” for promises) | |
| He will call you later. | He will call you later. | (Already in simple future with “will”) | |
| The sky looks cloudy. | It will rain. | It is going to rain. | |
| I offer to carry your bags. | I will carry your bags. | (Not typically used with “be going to” | ) |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to the simple future tense.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I am will go to the party. | I will go to the party. | “Will” does not require the “be” verb. |
| She are going to arrive soon. | She is going to arrive soon. | “Be” verb must agree with the subject. |
| They is going to visit us. | They are going to visit us. | “Be” verb must agree with the subject. |
| We will to help you. | We will help you. | “Will” is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| He going to call me tomorrow. | He is going to call me tomorrow. | Missing “be” verb. |
| It will raining tonight. | It will rain tonight. | “Will” is followed by the base form of the verb. |
| I am going to studied English. | I am going to study English. | Use the base form of the verb after “going to.” |
| If it will rain, we will stay inside. | If it rains, we will stay inside. | Use the simple present in “if” clauses. |
| She will not to come to the meeting. | She will not come to the meeting. | Use the base form of the verb after “will.” |
| Are you will be there? | Will you be there? | Incorrect question formation. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances between the simple future tense and other future tenses is essential for precise communication.
Simple Future vs. Future Continuous
The simple future (will/be going to + base form) describes a completed action in the future. The future continuous (will be + verb-ing) describes an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future.
For example:
- Simple Future: I will eat dinner at 7 PM. (The action of eating will be completed.)
- Future Continuous: I will be eating dinner at 7 PM. (The action of eating will be in progress at that time.)
The future continuous is used to describe an ongoing action at a specific point in the future, while the simple future describes a completed action.
Simple Future vs. Future Perfect
The simple future describes an action that will happen in the future. The future perfect (will have + past participle) describes an action that will be completed before a specific time in the future.
For example:
- Simple Future: I will finish the project next week. (The action will happen next week.)
- Future Perfect: I will have finished the project by next week. (The action will be completed before next week.)
The future perfect emphasizes the completion of an action before a future deadline or event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between “will” and “shall”?
In modern English, “will” is generally used for all subjects to express the future. “Shall” is mostly used in formal contexts, especially in British English, for suggestions or offers, typically with “I” or “we” (e.g., “Shall we go?”).
Can I use “will” and “be going to” interchangeably?
While they both express the future, they are not always interchangeable. “Will” is used for spontaneous decisions, general predictions, offers, and promises.
“Be going to” is used for pre-existing plans and predictions based on current evidence.
How do I form negative sentences in the simple future tense?
To form negative sentences, add “not” after “will” or the “be” verb. “Will not” can be contracted to “won’t.” (e.g., “I will not go” or “I won’t go”; “I am not going to go.”)
How do I form questions in the simple future tense?
To form questions, invert the subject and the auxiliary verb (“will” or “be”). (e.g., “Will you go?”; “Are you going to go?”)
What are some common time expressions used with the simple future tense?
Common time expressions include “tomorrow,” “next week/month/year,” “in the future,” “soon,” and “later.”
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this self-study guide on the simple future tense! By understanding the structure, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with this tense, you are now better equipped to express future actions and events accurately and confidently.
Remember to practice regularly and apply what you have learned in real-life conversations and writing. With continued effort, you will master the simple future tense and enhance your overall English language proficiency.