A review of all the uses of the future simple tense. We have looked at the different uses of the present simple tense (will and be going to) in 3 previous lessons:
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- The future simple with be going to (Level A1)
- The future simple with will (Level A2)
- 4 differences between going to and will (Level B1)
On this page, we will review ALL of the uses of the future simple tense.
We use WILL…
1. …to talk about something we have just decided to do (the decision made at the time of speaking).
- Person A: “I feel really ill.’ Person B: Do you? I‘ll drive you home.
- Person A: “I have a headache!” Person B: “Really? I’ll get you a tablet”
2. …to talk about a future ‘fact’. (remember that a ‘fact’ can be subjective – it might just be from the speaker’s point of view)
- The population of New Zealand will be 6 million by 2030.
- The sun will rise at 6.10 a.m. tomorrow.
- My team will win the World Cup. (a ‘fact’ from the speaker’s point of view)
3. …to make a promise.
- I will love you forever.
- I will never do that again!
- I will call you as soon as I arrive.
We use (be) going to…
1. …to talk about something happening in the future that we have already planned.
- I’m going to have a holiday next week.
- ‘I’m going to have my hair cut tomorrow – I booked the appointment last week’
2. …when we have evidence that something will happen (we can see something or know something that gives us evidence).
- You’ve eaten so many chocolates! You are going to be sick!
- Look at those clouds! It is going to rain!