FUTURE TENSE

PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

The present progressive describes actions that are happening now but it also can be used to say what will or will not happen in the near future.

I am studying now. (at the moment of speaking)

I am studying with María tonight. (future)

IDIOMATIC FUTURE

(be going to)

The structure “be going to” can be used to talk about plans, especially in an informal style. “Going to” puts an emphasis on the idea of intention.

When are you going to get a job?

We are going to buy a new home.

John says he is going to call in this evening.

The going to structure can also be used to predict the future on the basis of present evidence.

She is going to have a baby in June.

Look at the sky. It is going to rain.

"Be going to" is usually used when something is already planned or definite.

AFFIRMATIVE FORM:S+ to be +GOING TO+ Verb Base Form + Complement

Those boys are going to play a soccer match tomorrow.

NEGATIVE FORM: S+ to be +not +GOING TO+ Verb Base Form+

Complement

Sandy isn't going to arrive at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday

INTERROGATIVE FORM: to be + S +GOING TO+ Verb Base Form+ Complement+?

Are you going to work next weekend?Yes, I’m // No, I’m not

present progressive and be going to: differences

The present progressive emphasises the idea of fixed arrangement; going to emphasises the idea of intention or previous decision.

I am getting a new job. (It is already arranged.)

I am going to get a new job. (I have decided to.)

Who is cooking lunch? (asking about arrangements)

Who is going to cook lunch? (asking about a decision)

We do not normally use the present progressive to make predictions about events that are outside people’s control.

It is going to rain. (NOT It is raining.)

Look out! We are going to crash. (NOT we are crashing.)

Things are going to get better soon. (NOT Things are getting better soon.)

Simple future

Will // shall

Simple Future has two different forms in English: "will" and "be going to."

Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time in the future.

"Will" and "shall", like all modal verbs in English, do not change their form, and they are followed by the simple form of the main verb.

The only odd thing about "will" and "shall" is that "shall" is not usually used in statements.

It only appears in the first person (with I and we) in questions.

"Will" is NOT usually used in first person questions

will: different uses

USE 1: to Express a Voluntary Action

"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else.

I will send you the information when I get it.

We also use "will" when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us.

Will you help me move this heavy table?

USE 2: to Express a Promise "Will" is usually used in promises. Examples:

I will call you when I arrive.

I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.

Don't worry, I'll be careful.

I won't tell anyone your secret.

AFFIRMATIVE FORM:S+ will+ Verb Base Form + Complement

He will play football.He'll play football.

NEGATIVE FORM: S+ will +not + Verb Base Form+ Complement

He will not play football.He won't play football. or He'll not play football.

INTERROGATIVE FORM:Will + S + Verb Base Form+ Complement+?

Will he play football?Shall I stop smoking?