We can refer to the future by using will
, be going to
or by using present tenses. We use the will future when we want to talk generally about future beliefs, opinions, hopes and predictions.
I promised myself that once I start college I will do all my assignments on time
The will future is formed with the infinitive
without to
. Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and will
. Negatives are formed with will not
(wont't
).
(+) Sam will probably move to Canada next year
(-) Sam won't move to Canada next year. He will move to the US (?) Will Sam move to Canada next year? / Where will Sam move to?
Note that in speech and informal writing will
is usually shortened to 'll
.
He'll move to the US
Some time markers can show when we expect something to happen (tomorrow
, next month
, in a day
etc.) or how certain or uncertain we are about our predictions (perhaps
, probably
, definitely
, certainly
etc.).
Perhaps it'll snow tomorrow
I'll definitely finish my essay next month
Note that such time markers as probably
, definitely
, certainly
come after will
but before won't
.
We'll probably do it tomorrow
We probably won't do it tomorrow
Some speakers use shall
to refer to the future in formal situations with I
and we
. However this use is becoming very rare. Nowadays shall
is used for suggestions only.
Shall I go or shall we leave together?
They (not to go) to the bar tomorrow.
What (you/to do) next week? - I don't know. I (to meet up) probably with some friends.
I (to call) you later, OK?
I (not to do) anything without your advice.
-Mike, what are your plans for tonight?
-I don't know really. I'll probably play some video games after work.
-And what will you do tomorrow?
-Well, I definitely won't go out with my friends tomorrow.
-And what will you do next week?
-I'll most certainly start learning another language.
-Mike, how do you have an answer for everything?
-It's quite simple. I don't plan anything. Things will happen on their own.
Find time markers.
Perhaps you'll make the right decision. Time will tell.
Max will certainly come later tonight.
Susan will try to go there next month but it probably won't happen.
Write the correct sentence.
Why can't you come over? I (to let) you sleep at my place
I (not to do) it unless you prove Jane wrong.
We (to try) to make it work. We (to let) you know.
(we/to go) to the restaurant tonight? I (to pay) for the meal.
Answer the questions.
What will you do tomorrow?
Where will you stay during your summer vacation?
Will robots take over the planet?