Unveiling Tomorrow: A Deep Dive into the Future Simple Tense

The Future Simple tense is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, allowing us to express actions or events that we anticipate will happen at some point in the future. It’s a versatile tense with several key uses and is formed in a straightforward manner. Let’s explore its intricacies.  

Formation of the Future Simple

The most common way to form the Future Simple tense is by using the auxiliary verb “will” followed by the base form of the main verb.  

Subject + will + base form of verb

For example:

• I will go to the market tomorrow.
• She will finish her work soon.
• They will arrive later this evening.

Another way to express the future, particularly for plans and intentions, is by using “going to” followed by the base form of the verb.  

Subject + be (am/is/are) + going to + base form of verb

For example:

• I am going to travel to Italy next month.
• He is going to study medicine at university.
• We are going to have a picnic in the park.

While both “will” and “going to” refer to the future, they often carry slightly different nuances, which we will discuss further.  

Key Uses of the Future Simple with “Will”

The Future Simple with “will” is used in several important situations:

1. Making Predictions

We use “will” to express what we think or believe will happen in the future. These predictions are often based on our opinions, beliefs, or general knowledge, and not necessarily on concrete plans or evidence.  

• I think it will rain tomorrow.
• They believe the economy will improve next year.
• Perhaps she will become a famous artist one day.

2. Making Spontaneous Decisions or Offers

“Will” is used when we make a decision or offer to do something at the moment of speaking.

• “I’m thirsty.” “I will get you a drink.”
• “The phone is ringing!” “I will answer it.”  
• “That looks heavy. I will help you with that.”

3. Expressing Promises or Assurances

We use “will” to make promises or give assurances about future actions.

• I will always love you.
• Don’t worry, I will be there on time.
• The company will ensure the product’s safety.

4. Making Requests

“Will” can be used to make polite requests.  

• Will you please close the door?
• Will you help me with this problem?

5. Expressing Facts About the Future

“Will” is used to state facts about the future, things that are certain to happen.  

• The sun will rise tomorrow morning.
• Next week will be the start of a new month.
• Christmas will fall on a Thursday this year.

Key Uses of “Going To”

The “going to” structure is primarily used for:

1. Expressing Prior Plans and Intentions

We use “going to” to talk about future actions that we have already decided or planned to do.

• We are going to visit our grandparents next weekend.
• He is going to learn how to play the guitar.
• They are going to move to a new city in June.

2. Making Predictions Based on Present Evidence

When we see something in the present that indicates what will happen in the near future, we often use “going to.”  

• Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain. (The clouds are the present evidence.)
• She is holding her stomach; I think she is going to be sick. (Her action is the present evidence.)

Time Expressions Commonly Used with Future Simple

Several time expressions are frequently used with the Future Simple tense to indicate when the action will take place:  

• tomorrow  
• next week/month/year  
• in the future
• soon
• later
• tonight
• the day after tomorrow  
• in a few days/weeks/months/years

Negative and Interrogative Forms

Negative Form

To make the Future Simple negative with “will,” we add “not” after “will,” often contracted to “won’t.” With “going to,” we add “not” after the verb “be.”  

Subject + will + not (won’t) + base form of verb Subject + be (am/is/are) + not + going to + base form of verb

• I will not (won’t) be late.
• She is not (isn’t) going to attend the meeting.
• They are not (aren’t) going to travel abroad this summer.

Interrogative Form

To form questions with “will,” we invert the subject and “will.” With “going to,” we invert the subject and the verb “be.”

Will + subject + base form of verb? Be (Am/Is/Are) + subject + going to + base form of verb?

• Will you come to the party?
• Will they finish the project on time?
• Are you going to watch the game tonight?
• Is he going to apply for that job?

Practice Time!

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the Future Simple tense (using either “will” or “going to”). Consider the context to decide which form is more appropriate.

1. I think it ________ (be) a beautiful day tomorrow.
2. Look out! That car ________ (crash)!
3. “I’m so tired.” “I ________ (make) you a cup of coffee.”
4. They ________ (visit) their relatives next summer. They’ve already booked the tickets.
5. ________ you ________ (help) me with this heavy box, please?
6. She ________ (not/go) to the concert because she feels unwell.
7. What ________ you ________ (do) after you finish your studies?
8. Don’t worry, I ________ (call) you as soon as I arrive.
9. The train ________ (leave) at 9:00 AM tomorrow morning (scheduled event).
10. I have decided. I ________ (learn) Spanish next year.

Answers:

1. will be
2. is going to crash
3. will make
4. are going to visit
5. Will you help
6. is not going to go
7. are you going to do
8. will call
9. will leave
10. am going to learn