8. Future forms

In English you can talk about future time using a number of different forms, depending on meaning. Here is a summary of the most common ways of talking about the future.

FUTURE with will	FUTURE with going to
an instant decision: I’ll leave tomorrow. – …уеду…	an intention: I’m going to leave tomorrow. – …собираюсь…
predictions based on our assumption: I expect his arrival will cause much trouble. – …доставит…	predictions based on the present situation: The birds fly low. It is going to rain. – …пойдет дождь…
PRESENT SIMPLE for the future	PRESENT CONTINUOUS for the future
fixed schedules (timetables, programmes) in the future: My train leaves at 9.30. – …отправляется…	fixed arrangements in the future: I’m leaving tomorrow. – …уезжаю…

Future simple

Form shall/will + infinitive

Use You use the FUTURE SIMPLE:

• to talk about future facts

Tomorrow will be the last day of our holiday.

• to make predictions with think, believe, be afraid, probably, etc.

I think the exam will be too difficult for me.

I believe life will change in the 21^st century.

• to talk about a decision about the future that is made at the time of speaking

It’s late I think I’ll go to bed now.

• to offer, request or promise something

I’ll help you carry your bags.

I promise I’ll try harder next time.

Will you open the door for me, please? = (Can you open the door for me, please?)

• to ask for suggestions or instructions

What shall I do with all these letters?

• to show that someone (something) is unwilling or refuses to do something we use won’t

I’ve talked to Sue about her decision to leave, but she won’t listen (= She refused to listen)

The key won’t fit the lock.

The car won’t start.

Time expressions used with the FUTURE SIMPLE include: tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, next week/month/year, tonight, soon, in a week/month/year, etc.

Note:

• We do not use the FUTURE SIMPLE after: while, before, until, as soon as, after, if and when. We use the PRESENT SIMPLE instead.

I’ll make a phone call while I wait for you.

(NOT: …while I will wait for you.)

• “When” can be followed by the FUTURE SIMPLE if it is used as a question word.

When will you return?

I don’t know when Helen will be back.

• “When” is followed by the PRESENT SIMPLE if it is used as a time word.

Please phone me when you finish work.

Exercise 1. What will life be like in the 21^st century? Look at the prompts and make sentences using will or won’t, as in the example.

People / live longer People will live longer. Robots / do most of the work People / use electric cars Pollution / disappear People / die of serious diseases Children / stop going to school People / go on holiday to the moon

  x  x x 

Exercise 2. Ask questions using prompts, as in the example.

1. The garden is very untidy. (I / cut / the grass)

Shall I cut the grass?

2. It’s a lovely evening. (we / go for / a walk)

3. I need a hot drink. (I / make / some tea)

4. It’s very quiet in here. (I / turn on / the radio)

5. The Smiths are back. (we / visit / them)

6. I’ve cut my finger. (I / get / a plaster)

Exercise 3. Replace the words in bold with will/won’t or shall I/we, as in the example.

1. I’ve asked Paul to talk to the landlord, but he refuses to do it.

I’ve asked Paul to talk to the landlord, but he won’t do it.

2. Do you want me to make a reservation for you?

3. Can you call Barry for me, please?

4. Why don’t we try this new dish?

5. Where do you want me to put these flowers?

Exercise 4. Answer the following questions about yourself using I think / I hope / I expect I’ll … or I’m sure / I’m afraid I’ll …, as in the example.

1. Where will you be at 5 o’clock tomorrow afternoon?

I expect I’ll be at home.

2. Where will you go at the weekend?

3. Where will you spend your holidays?

4. What will you do if you fail your exams?

5. When will you buy your own car?

6. Who will you ask for help if you are in trouble?