GRAMMAR: Future forms
Future (-ing, going to, shall, will/'ll)
There are different ways to talk about the future in English: it depends on the situations. Let’s have a look.
a. WILL + infinitive (= future simple).
E.g. 1) I think I will go to Spain next summer.
2) They will build a new station in the next few years.
3) Waiter: What can I get you, sir?
Customer: I will have the chicken.
Look at examples 1-2: we use WILL + infinitive for predictions, some actions that we think can happen in the future.
Now look at example 3: we use WILL + infinitive for a decision made now, at the moment of speaking.
► Remember! The negative form of WILL is WON’T (=WILL NOT) + infinitive.
E.g. I won’t go to the party. I feel tired.
To make the interrogative form, put the auxiliary before the subject.
E.g. Will you come to the party tonight?
b. BE GOING TO + infinitive.
E.g. 1) I have decided. I’m going to buy a new car.
2) It is her intention to have a holiday. She’s going to stay away for two weeks.
Look at examples 1-2: we use BE GOING TO + infinitive for decisions and intentions about the future.
c. PRESENT CONTINUOUS.
E.g. 1) I am flying to Ibiza next week. Here is my ticket.
2) I called Paul this morning. We are meeting tomorrow.
3) Next Sunday they she is eating at her parents place.
Look at examples 1-2-3: we use the PRESENT CONTINUOUS for action planned in future, especially if we have arrangements with somebody else.
d. PRESENT SIMPLE.
E.g. 1) The lessons start at 8.
2) Our train leaves at 6:30.
Look at examples 1-2: we can use the PRESENT SIMPLE for timetables and schedules.
e. Watch this video to revise: