Future Tense

Future Tense

English doesnt have a "future tense", but uses a variety of forms to talk about the future. The choice of form often depends on whether we are making a prediction, expresing and intention or talking about anarragement.

1) 

Going to → Personal intention; intention regardless to what others think and the circumstances. May be altered by external factors.

- “I´m going to stop by by sister´s tomorrow night.” → she doesn't know

-”I´m going to drink coffee.” → no coffee → “ok, I´ll drink tea.”

• Present Continuous → Future arrangement/plan ti which you have to act accordingly because there are people involved/actions that have taken place(bought the tickets) or are taking place(have everything changed for it) which tie you down, not allowing you to step out so easily.

- “I'm stopping by sister´s tomorrow night.” → she'll be waiting for her.

- “I´m going to the game next Sunday.” → Tickets have been bought

• Will → willingness (modality in that “will”)

      →  decision made at the time of speaking

- “I'll set the table, don't worry”   - “I will pass the exams.”

- “I´m arriving at six and first thing I´ll do is take a nap.”

2)

• Future continuous ( will + be + -ing ) → Action in progress in the future for a specific amount of time.

- “Don't come between 8:00 and 11:00. I´ll be studying by then!”

• Future Perfect( will + have + part.) → action completed by a sprecific time in the future (fut. time ref.)

- “By six o´clock I will have finished studying and be free to go to the cinema.”

3) PREDICTION

• going to → prediction based on present evidence (Facts, feeling about sth)

“It´s going to rain! Look at the clouds!”

“She is going to have a baby” → she´s pregnant

• will → prediction based on statistics/personal criteria/facts that will lead to future outcome.

“It´ll rain according to the forecast.”

“She´ll have a baby.” → plan, not pregnant yet.

4)

•  Simple Present → Use of time adverb to refer to future circumstances (as soon as)

“Let me know when you come”

“Let me know when you will come” → indirect question, future action that hasnt happened yet. Request.

5) Timetable

• Simple Present → part of schedule that you can´t change at will, decided on by authorities.

Present Continuous → change in timetable, temporary arrangement