Future Forms helps you communicate about predictions, instant decisions, prior plans, arrangements and timetables. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can choose an appropriate future form for predictions, plans and arrangements.
- Recognise and build the form: will + base; be going to + base; present continuous; present simple for schedules.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Future Forms for predictions, instant decisions, prior plans, arrangements and timetables. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
I think electric cars will become cheaper in the future.
Use 'will' for a general prediction based on opinion.
Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.
Use 'be going to' for a prediction based on present evidence.
We are meeting Anna at six; the table is booked.
Use the present continuous for a fixed personal arrangement.
will + base; be going to + base; present continuous; present simple for schedulesKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use 'will' for a general prediction based on opinion.
- Use 'be going to' for a prediction based on present evidence.
- Use the present continuous for a fixed personal arrangement.
- Use the present simple for an official timetable.
- Use 'will' for a decision made at the moment of speaking.
Common mistakes
Not:I think electric cars are becoming cheaper in the future.
Use:I think electric cars will become cheaper in the future.
Use 'will' for a general prediction based on opinion.
Not:Look at those clouds! It will rain.
Use:Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.
Use 'be going to' for a prediction based on present evidence.
Not:We will meet Anna at six; the table is booked.
Use:We are meeting Anna at six; the table is booked.
Use the present continuous for a fixed personal arrangement.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
The flight ____ at 08:40 tomorrow.
leaves
Use the present simple for an official timetable.
The phone is ringing. I ____ it.
will answer
Use 'will' for a decision made at the moment of speaking.
They ____ move house next month; they have already signed the contract.
are going to
Use 'be going to' for an intention or plan already decided.