Future Tense

 
The future tense is a verb tense used for a future activity or a future state of being.
 
10.1  Simple Future Tense
 
  This tense usually comes in two forms:  
     
 

will + verb

be + going to + verb

 
     

 

(A) Will
 
  • 'Will' is an auxiliary verb. So, the verbs that follow 'will' must be in the infinitive.
  • 'Will' is used to:

(a) Talk about a prediction.

(b) Express willingness or to talk about an action you want to take immediately after you have mentioned it. 

  • Examples:

(a) She will meet Mr.Adam next week. 

(b) I think it will rain later.

(c) I will help you. 

 
(B) Be + Going to + Verb
 
  • The verb after 'be + going to' should also be an infinitive.
  • 'Be + going to' is often used to:

(a) Talk about plans or decisions that have already been made. 

(b) Predict something in the future, based on the evidence we can see.

  • Examples:

(a) I'm going to be a doctor when I grow up. 

(b) Look at those dark clouds. It is going to rain soon. 

 
(C) Questions in the Simple Future
 
  • For 'Wh-' questions, the subject or pronoun should come after 'will' or the 'be' verb. 
  • For questions that require 'Yes' or 'No' answers, start the sentence with 'will' or the 'be' verb.
  • Examples: 
 
QUESTION WORD SUBJECT MAIN VERB  
Where will you go after this?
When will the car be  ready for collection?
Will Amy be there tonight?
Will you be a good girl?
 
10.2  Future Continuous Tense
 
  • It is used to:

(a) Show a future action that is not planned or intended, such as a normal event.

(b) Show an action that will be happening at or by some future time. 

 
  The future continuous tense form is as follows:   
     
  will + be + the present participle (the root verb + -ing)  
     

 

  • Examples:

(a) They will be working till midnight.

(b) He will be returning by the time lunch was served.