Planning the weekend is a common and exciting part of our lives. Whether it’s making arrangements with friends, scheduling activities, or simply looking forward to some relaxation, effectively communicating your weekend plans requires a solid understanding of future tense in English.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to using future tense verbs to express your weekend plans clearly and accurately. It will benefit English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students, as well as anyone looking to improve their grammar and communication skills.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently discuss your weekend plans using various future tense forms, understand the nuances between them, and avoid common mistakes. Get ready to enhance your English proficiency and make your weekend conversations more engaging and precise!
Table of Contents
- Definition of Future Tense
- Structural Breakdown of Future Tense
- Types of Future Tense
- Examples of Weekend Plans in Future Tense
- Usage Rules for Future Tense
- Common Mistakes When Using Future Tense
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Future Tense
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Future Tense
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 talk about what we expect, predict, or intend to do later. In English, future tense is not expressed through a single verb form like the past or present tense. Instead, it’s formed using auxiliary verbs (helping verbs) such as will and shall, or through other constructions like be going to, the present continuous, or the present simple.
The primary function of future tense is to convey that an action will take place after the current time. It helps us plan, make predictions, express intentions, and discuss possibilities regarding upcoming events.
Understanding and correctly using future tense is crucial for clear and effective communication about future events, including weekend plans.
In the context of weekend plans, future tense allows us to discuss what we intend to do, activities we’ve scheduled, or simply what we hope to happen during our time off. It’s a fundamental element of discussing leisure activities, social engagements, and personal goals for the weekend.
Structural Breakdown of Future Tense
The structure of future tense varies depending on the specific form being used. Here’s a breakdown of the most common future tense structures:
- Simple Future (will/shall): Subject + will/shall + base form of the verb
- “Be going to” Future: Subject + be (am/is/are) + going to + base form of the verb
- Future Continuous: Subject + will be + present participle (verb + -ing)
- Future Perfect: Subject + will have + past participle
- Future Perfect Continuous: Subject + will have been + present participle (verb + -ing)
- Present Simple for Future: Subject + base form of the verb (often used with scheduled events)
- Present Continuous for Future: Subject + be (am/is/are) + present participle (verb + -ing) (often used for planned arrangements)
Understanding these structures is essential for forming grammatically correct sentences when discussing your weekend plans. Each structure conveys slightly different nuances and levels of certainty, which we will explore in more detail in the following sections.
Types of Future Tense
English offers several ways to express future actions, each with its own specific usage and nuances. Here’s a detailed look at the different types of future tense and how they can be used to talk about your weekend plans.
Simple Future (will/shall)
The simple future tense is formed using the auxiliary verbs will or shall followed by the base form of the verb. While will is now commonly used with all subjects, shall is traditionally used with I and we to express a suggestion or offer.
Structure: Subject + will/shall + base form of the verb
Usage:
- Predictions: Expressing beliefs about what will happen in the future.
- Spontaneous decisions: Making a decision at the moment of speaking.
- Offers: Offering to do something.
- Promises: Making a commitment to do something.
Examples for weekend plans:
- I will relax at home this weekend. (prediction/intention)
- We will go to the beach if the weather is nice. (conditional prediction)
- I shall call you later to confirm the details. (offer/promise)
- I think I will watch a movie on Saturday night. (prediction)
“Be going to” Future
The “be going to” future is formed using the verb to be (am, is, are) followed by “going to” and the base form of the verb. It’s used to express intentions and plans that were made before the moment of speaking, or to make predictions based on current evidence.
Structure: Subject + be (am/is/are) + going to + base form of the verb
Usage:
- Prior plans and intentions: Expressing plans that have already been made.
- Predictions based on evidence: Making predictions based on what is currently happening or visible.
Examples for weekend plans:
- I am going to visit my parents this weekend. (prior plan)
- We are going to have a barbecue on Sunday. (prior plan)
- She is going to study for her exams all weekend. (prior plan)
- They are going to go hiking in the mountains. (prior plan)
Future Continuous
The future continuous tense is formed using will be followed by the present participle (verb + -ing). It’s used to describe actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future.
Structure: Subject + will be + present participle (verb + -ing)
Usage:
- Actions in progress at a specific time: Describing an activity that will be ongoing at a particular time in the future.
- Polite inquiries about plans: Asking about someone’s plans in a polite and indirect way.
Examples for weekend plans:
- I will be working on my project all weekend. (action in progress)
- We will be watching the football game on Saturday afternoon. (action in progress)
- She will be traveling to Chicago this weekend. (action in progress)
- They will be celebrating their anniversary on Sunday. (action in progress)
Future Perfect
The future perfect tense is formed using will have followed by the past participle. It’s used to describe actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future.
Structure: Subject + will have + past participle
Usage:
- Actions completed before a specific time: Describing an activity that will be finished by a certain point in the future.
Examples for weekend plans:
- By Sunday evening, I will have finished reading that book. (action completed before a time)
- By the end of the weekend, we will have visited all the museums in the city. (action completed before a time)
- She will have completed her assignment by Saturday afternoon. (action completed before a time)
- They will have cleaned the entire house by Sunday morning. (action completed before a time)
Future Perfect Continuous
The future perfect continuous tense is formed using will have been followed by the present participle (verb + -ing). It’s used to describe actions that will have been in progress for a period of time before a specific time in the future.
Structure: Subject + will have been + present participle (verb + -ing)
Usage:
- Actions in progress for a duration before a specific time: Describing an activity that will have been ongoing for a certain period of time before a particular time in the future.
Examples for weekend plans:
- By Sunday evening, I will have been studying for 10 hours this weekend. (action in progress for a duration)
- By the time they arrive, we will have been preparing dinner for three hours. (action in progress for a duration)
- She will have been working on her novel for five years by the end of the year. (action in progress for a duration)
- They will have been living in their new house for a month by the end of the weekend. (action in progress for a duration)
Present Simple for Future
The present simple tense can be used to talk about future events that are scheduled or fixed, often involving timetables, schedules, or official arrangements.
Structure: Subject + base form of the verb (or -s/-es for third-person singular)
Usage:
- Scheduled events: Describing events that are on a fixed timetable or schedule.
Examples for weekend plans:
- The train leaves at 9:00 AM on Saturday. (scheduled event)
- The concert starts at 8:00 PM on Friday. (scheduled event)
- My flight departs on Sunday afternoon. (scheduled event)
- The museum opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday. (scheduled event)
Present Continuous for Future
The present continuous tense can also be used to talk about future events, particularly when referring to planned arrangements or appointments.
Structure: Subject + be (am/is/are) + present participle (verb + -ing)
Usage:
- Planned arrangements: Describing plans that have been made and confirmed.
Examples for weekend plans:
- I am meeting my friends for dinner on Friday night. (planned arrangement)
- We are going to a party on Saturday. (planned arrangement)
- She is visiting her grandmother this weekend. (planned arrangement)
- They are playing tennis on Sunday morning. (planned arrangement)
Examples of Weekend Plans in Future Tense
Let’s look at some more detailed examples of how to use the different future tenses when talking about your weekend plans. The following tables provide a variety of scenarios and demonstrate the appropriate tense to use in each situation.
The following table illustrates how simple future tense can be used to describe weekend plans based on prediction, spontaneous decisions and offers:
| Scenario | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Predicting the weather and its impact on plans | If the weather is good, I will go for a hike. |
| Spontaneous decision to watch a movie | I think I will watch a comedy tonight. |
| Offering to help with weekend chores | I will help you with the gardening this weekend. |
| Making a promise to call someone | I will call you on Saturday to make plans. |
| Expressing an intention to relax | I will relax by reading a book this weekend. |
| Predicting a quiet weekend | I think this weekend will be very quiet. |
| Spontaneous decision to order pizza | I will order some pizza for dinner tonight. |
| Offering to drive someone to an event | I will drive you to the concert on Saturday. |
| Promising to finish a project | I will finish the project by Sunday evening. |
| Expressing an intention to exercise | I will go to the gym on Saturday morning. |
| Predicting a busy weekend | This weekend will be packed with activities. |
| Spontaneous decision to bake a cake | I will bake a cake for my friend’s birthday. |
| Offering to babysit | I will babysit your kids on Saturday night. |
| Promising to send photos | I will send you the photos from the party. |
| Expressing an intention to learn something new | I will start learning a new language this weekend. |
| Predicting a fun weekend | This weekend will be a lot of fun. |
| Spontaneous decision to visit a friend | I will visit my friend who is sick. |
| Offering to pick up groceries | I will pick up the groceries for the barbecue. |
| Promising to be on time | I will be on time for the meeting on Saturday. |
| Expressing an intention to take a nap | I will take a long nap this weekend. |
| Predicting rain | It will rain this weekend, so I’ll stay inside. |
| Spontaneous decision to try a new restaurant | I will try that new Italian restaurant. |
| Offering to water plants | I will water your plants while you’re away. |
The following table shows examples of “be going to” future tense, focusing on prior plans and predictions based on evidence:
| Scenario | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Prior plan to attend a concert | I am going to attend a concert on Saturday night. |
| Prediction based on cloudy skies | It is going to rain later today. |
| Prior plan to visit family | We are going to visit our grandparents this weekend. |
| Prediction based on feeling unwell | I think I am going to be sick. |
| Prior plan to have a picnic | They are going to have a picnic in the park. |
| Prediction based on someone’s hard work | She is going to pass the exam easily. |
| Prior plan to renovate the house | We are going to renovate the kitchen this weekend. |
| Prediction based on a full schedule | He is going to be very busy this weekend. |
| Prior plan to go camping | They are going to go camping in the mountains. |
| Prediction based on a dark sky | It is going to be a stormy night. |
| Prior plan to bake cookies | I am going to bake cookies for the party. |
| Prediction based on someone’s dedication | She is going to succeed in her career. |
| Prior plan to learn a new skill | I am going to learn how to play the guitar. |
| Prediction based on current demand | The product is going to sell out quickly. |
| Prior plan to clean the house | I am going to clean the house from top to bottom. |
| Prior plan to attend a workshop | I am going to attend a photography workshop. |
| Prediction based on cloudy skies | It is going to snow later today. |
| Prior plan to visit a museum | We are going to visit the art museum this weekend. |
| Prediction based on feeling tired | I think I am going to fall asleep soon. |
| Prior plan to have a garden party | They are going to have a garden party next month. |
| Prediction based on someone’s talent | She is going to win the competition easily. |
| Prior plan to repaint the fence | We are going to repaint the fence this weekend. |
| Prediction based on a sunny sky | It is going to be a hot day. |
The following table provides examples of how to use the future continuous tense to describe actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future, using weekend plan scenarios:
| Scenario | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Describing what you’ll be doing at a specific time on Saturday | I will be working on my car all day Saturday. |
| Describing what your family will be doing on Sunday afternoon | We will be watching the football game on Sunday afternoon. |
| Describing a friend’s travel plans for the weekend | She will be traveling to New York this weekend. |
| Describing a couple celebrating their anniversary | They will be celebrating their anniversary on Saturday night. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing while others are at work | I will be relaxing at the spa while everyone is at work. |
| Describing a group hiking in the mountains | They will be hiking in the mountains all weekend. |
| Describing what you will be doing during a specific event | I will be performing on stage during the festival. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing while someone else is studying | I will be playing video games while she is studying. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing at a family gathering | We will be laughing and sharing stories at the family reunion. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing during a movie night | I will be eating popcorn and drinking soda during the movie. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing while someone is cooking | I will be setting the table while he is cooking dinner. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing during a concert | I will be dancing and singing along at the concert. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing while someone is gardening | I will be reading a book in the hammock while she is gardening. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing during a sporting event | I will be cheering for my favorite team at the game. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing while someone is driving | I will be navigating and providing directions while he is driving. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing at a workshop | I will be learning new skills at the photography workshop. |
| Describing what your neighbors will be doing on Saturday | They will be hosting a barbecue party on Saturday. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing during a conference | I will be attending key sessions at the marketing conference. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing while someone is painting | I will be offering support and suggestions while he is painting. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing during a fair | I will be trying different foods at the street fair. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing while someone is cleaning | I will be organizing the clutter while she is cleaning. |
| Describing what you’ll be doing during a hike | I will be taking pictures of the scenery during the hike. |
Usage Rules for Future Tense
To use future tense correctly, it’s important to understand the specific rules and guidelines associated with each form. Here’s a breakdown of some key usage rules:
- “Will” vs. “Shall”: While “will” is now generally accepted for all subjects, “shall” is traditionally used with I and we in formal contexts to express offers, suggestions, or to seek confirmation. For example, “Shall we go for a walk?”
- Contractions: In informal speech and writing, contractions like “I’ll,” “you’ll,” “he’ll,” “she’ll,” “it’ll,” “we’ll,” and “they’ll” are commonly used instead of “I will,” “you will,” etc.
- Time Clauses: When using time clauses with words like when, as soon as, before, after, and until, use the present simple or present perfect tense, not the future tense. For example, “I will call you when I arrive,” not “I will call you when I will arrive.”
- Conditional Sentences: In conditional sentences (if-clauses), use the present simple tense in the if clause and the future tense in the main clause. For example, “If it rains, I will stay home,” not “If it will rain, I will stay home.”
- Expressing Certainty: “Be going to” often conveys a higher degree of certainty than “will,” especially when the prediction is based on current evidence.
Common Mistakes When Using Future Tense
Even experienced English learners can make mistakes when using future tense. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I will going to the party. | I am going to go to the party. | The structure “will going to” is incorrect. Use “am/is/are going to.” |
| If it will rain, I will stay home. | If it rains, I will stay home. | Do not use “will” in the if clause of a conditional sentence. |
| I will call you when I will arrive. | I will call you when I arrive. | Do not use “will” in time clauses introduced by when. |
| I shall to go to the store. | I shall go to the store. | “Shall” is followed by the base form of the verb, without “to.” |
| I going to visit my friend. | I am going to visit my friend. | Missing the “be” verb (am, is, are) before “going to.” |
| I will be finished the report by tomorrow. | I will have finished the report by tomorrow. | Incorrect use of future perfect tense. Needs “have” before the past participle. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of future tense with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
Exercise 1: Simple Future (will/shall)
- I __________ (call) you later tonight.
- We __________ (go) to the beach if the weather is nice.
- They __________ (arrive) at 6 PM.
- She __________ (help) you with your homework.
- I think it __________ (rain) tomorrow.
- __________ (we/go) for a walk?
- He __________ (be) happy to see you.
- The store __________ (close) at 9 PM.
- I __________ (finish) the project by Friday.
- They __________ (visit) their family next month.
Answer Key:
- will call
- will go
- will arrive
- will help
- will rain
- Shall we go
- will be
- will close
- will finish
- will visit
Exercise 2: “Be going to” Future
- I __________ (visit) my parents this weekend.
- We __________ (have) a barbecue on Sunday.
- She __________ (study) for her exams all weekend.
- They __________ (go) hiking in the mountains.
- It __________ (rain) later today.
- He __________ (be) very busy this week.
- I __________ (bake) cookies for the party.
- They __________ (renovate) the kitchen.
- She __________ (succeed) in her career.
- We __________ (learn) a new language.
Answer Key:
- am going to visit
- are going to have
- is going to study
- are going to go
- is going to rain
- is going to be
- am going to bake
- are going to renovate
- is going to succeed
- are going to learn
Exercise 3: Future Continuous
- I __________ (work) on my project all weekend.
- We __________ (watch) the football game on Saturday afternoon.
- She __________ (travel) to Chicago this weekend.
- They __________ (celebrate) their anniversary on Sunday.
- He __________ (sleep) when you arrive.
- I __________ (eat) dinner at 7 PM.
- We __________ (drive) to the coast tomorrow.
- She __________ (study) at the library all day.
- They __________ (perform) in the play tonight.
- I __________ (relax) by the pool.
Answer Key:
- will be working
- will be watching
- will be traveling
- will be celebrating
- will be sleeping
- will be eating
- will be driving
- will be studying
- will be performing
- will be relaxing
Advanced Topics in Future Tense
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of future tense:
- Using “would” for future in the past: When reporting past statements about the future, “would” is used instead of “will.” For example, “He said he would call me on Saturday.”
- Subjunctive Mood: In formal writing, the subjunctive mood can be used to express wishes or hypothetical situations related to the future. For example, “I wish it were Friday already.”
- Nuances of certainty: Different future forms convey different levels of certainty. “Will” can express a simple prediction, while “be going to” suggests a stronger intention or prediction based on evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the difference between “will” and “be going to”?
While both “will” and “be going to” express future actions, “will” is often used for spontaneous decisions, predictions, and offers, while “be going to” is used for planned intentions or predictions based on current evidence. For example, “I will help you” (offer) vs. “I am going to study tonight” (planned intention).
- When should I use the future continuous tense?
Use the future continuous tense to describe actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. For example, “I will be working at 9 AM tomorrow.”
- How do I form a negative sentence in the simple future tense?
To form a negative sentence in the simple future tense, add “not” after “will” or “shall.” You can also use the contraction “won’t” (will not). For example, “I will not go to the party” or “I won’t go to the party.”
- Can I use the present simple tense to talk about the future?
Yes, you can use the present simple tense to talk about future events that are scheduled or fixed, often involving timetables or official arrangements. For example, “The train leaves at 10 AM.”
- What is the future perfect tense used for?
The future perfect tense is used to describe actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future. For example, “By next year, I will have finished my degree.”
- How do I use time clauses with future tense?
When using time clauses with words like when, as soon as, before, after, and until, use the present simple or present perfect tense, not the future tense. For example, “I will call you when I arrive,” not “I will call you when I will arrive.”
- What’s the difference between the future perfect and the future perfect continuous?
The future perfect (will have + past participle) describes an action that will be completed by a certain time in the future. The future perfect continuous (will have been + verb-ing) describes an action that will have been in progress for a period of time leading up to a certain time in the future. Example: “By next year, I will have finished writing my book.” vs. “By next year, I will have been writing my book for five years.”
- Why is it important to learn different future tenses?
Learning different future tenses allows you to express a wider range of meanings and nuances when talking about future events. Using the correct tense helps you communicate your intentions, predictions, and plans more effectively and accurately, making your English sound more natural and sophisticated.
Conclusion
Mastering the future tense is essential for effectively communicating your plans, predictions, and intentions in English. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the different types of future tense, their structures, usage rules, and common mistakes to avoid.
By understanding the nuances between “will,” “be going to,” future continuous, and other forms, you can express yourself more accurately and confidently when discussing your weekend plans and other future events.
Remember to practice using these tenses in real-life conversations and writing to solidify your understanding. Pay attention to the context and choose the appropriate tense to convey the intended meaning.
With consistent effort and practice, you’ll be able to use future tense with ease and precision, enhancing your overall English proficiency.