The Future Tense

Will and be going to 

Both "will" and "be going to" are used to talk about future events, but they are used in slightly different contexts.

Using "Will"

1. **Predictions:**

   - We use "will" when making a prediction about the future based on our opinions, beliefs, or conjectures.

   - Example: "I think it will rain tomorrow."

2. **Decisions Made at the Moment of Speaking:**

   - Use "will" when you decide to do something at the moment of speaking.

   - Example: "I’m tired. I think I will go to bed now."

3. **Promises, Offers, and Requests:**

   - "Will" is commonly used when making promises, offers, or requests.

   - Example: "I will help you with your homework."

Using "Be Going To"

1. **Plans or Intentions:**

   - Use "be going to" for plans or intentions that have been decided before the moment of speaking.

   - Example: "I am going to visit my grandparents this weekend."

2. **Predictions Based on Evidence:**

   - Use "be going to" when there is present evidence regarding something that will happen.

   - Example: "Look at those dark clouds. It's going to rain soon."

Comparing "Will" and "Be Going To"

- **Spontaneity vs Planned Actions:**

  - "Will": Spontaneous decisions or actions made at the time of speaking.

    - Example: "I'm hungry. I will order a pizza."

  - "Be Going To": Actions planned in advance.

    - Example: "I am going to order a pizza for dinner tonight."

- **Prediction Context:**

  - "Will": Predictions without current evidence.

    - Example: "I believe she will pass the exam."

  - "Be Going To": Predictions based on current evidence.

    - Example: "The sky is clear, but the forecast said it's going to rain later."

In summary, use "will" for spontaneous decisions, promises, or predictions that are not based on present evidence. Use "be going to" for intentions, plans made before the moment of speech, and predictions based on current evidence.

Exercise: Choose "Will" or "Be Going To"

1. Look at those dark clouds! It __________ rain soon.

2. I forgot to call Jamie yesterday, but I __________ call him tonight.

3. They have already packed their bags. They __________ leave for vacation tomorrow.

4. I’m sure he __________ win the race; he has been training very hard.

5. I think I __________ go for a walk after lunch.

6. John just told me he __________ start a new job next week.

7. The phone is ringing. I __________ answer it.

8. We’ve decided that we __________ paint the house this summer.

9. I know you don't like broccoli, so I __________ not put any in the salad.

10. Sally says she __________ become a doctor when she grows up.

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Key Answers

1. is going to

2. will

3. are going to

4. will

5. will

6. is going to

7. will

8. are going to

9. will

10. is going to

Click here to do another exercise on will vs be going to

Present Continuous for Future Arrangements

The present continuous tense is used to talk about future plans or arrangements that have already been made. This usage often includes a specific time reference to indicate that it's about the future.

**Structure:** Subject + am/is/are + verb(-ing)

**Examples:**

- "I am meeting Sarah for lunch tomorrow."

- "They are flying to New York on Friday."

- "We are having a party this weekend."

In each of these examples, the arrangements have been planned, and often, other people are involved or aware of the plans.

Present Simple for Scheduled Events

The present simple tense is used to describe future events that are scheduled or timetabled, especially when speaking about timetables, itineraries, or official plans.

**Structure:** Subject + base form of the verb

**Examples:**

- "The train leaves at 6:00 PM."

- "The concert starts at 8:00 PM."

- "The store opens at 9:00 AM tomorrow."

These examples typically refer to events that are fixed and not subject to change by the speaker. They often involve schedules or regular timetables.

Summary

- **Present Continuous:** Use for personal arrangements or plans with a future time reference. It often involves intentions or preparations already in progress.

- **Present Simple:** Use for timetabled or scheduled events. It often includes events that are not within the speaker's control, like transport or official events.

Exercise: Use Present Continuous or Present Simple

1. The flight __________ (depart) at 7:00 AM tomorrow morning.

2. We __________ (have) dinner with Tom and Lisa on Saturday.

3. The movie __________ (start) at 5:00 PM.

4. She __________ (visit) her grandparents next weekend.

5. The bus __________ (leave) in ten minutes.

6. I __________ (meet) my friend for coffee later today.

7. The shop __________ (close) at 8:00 PM every day.

8. They __________ (attend) a conference in Paris next month.

9. The exhibition __________ (open) on April 1st.

10. Our train __________ (arrive) at noon.

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Key Answers

1. departs

2. are having

3. starts

4. is visiting

5. leaves

6. am meeting

7. closes

8. are attending

9. opens

10. arrives

Dialogue: Planning a Weekend Trip

**Characters:** Sarah and Jake

**Setting:** At a coffee shop, discussing their plans for the weekend.

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**Sarah:** Hey Jake, do you have any plans for this weekend?

**Jake:** Not really. I was thinking I **might** just relax at home. Why?

**Sarah:** Well, I **am going to** the beach on Saturday with some friends. You should join us!

**Jake:** Sounds like fun! What time **are you leaving**?

**Sarah:** We **are leaving** at 10:00 AM. 

**Jake:** Great! I’ll come with you. 

**Sarah:** Awesome! Just make sure you bring sunscreen. I think it **will be** really sunny.

**Jake:** Good idea! I usually forget that. By the way, is anyone else **joining**?

**Sarah:** Yes, Lisa and Mark **are coming** too. They **are really looking forward** to it.

**Jake:** Nice! And what about Sunday? Do you have any plans then?

**Sarah:** Not yet. The concert I wanted to attend **starts** at 5:00 PM, but I haven’t bought the tickets yet.

**Jake:** I can help you with that! I **will check** online for availability.

**Sarah:** That would be great! I hope we can find some good seats. 

**Jake:** I’m sure we will. Just let me know if you find anything!

**Sarah:** I will. And if tickets are too expensive, maybe we can just hang out and watch a movie instead.

**Jake:** That sounds good to me! Let’s keep our options open.

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Summary of Tenses Used:

- **Present Continuous:** "I am going to the beach," "We are leaving," "Are you joining?"

- **Present Simple:** "The concert starts at 5:00 PM," "The tickets are."

- **Will:** "I will check online," "I will hang out."

- **Be Going To:** "I am going to the beach," "I think it will be really sunny."