Grammar Reference
Ways of talking about the future ( BBC grammar )
1) We use will for statements about the future, and for predictions about the future. It often
expresses the future as fact – so it's used for very strong opinions or predictions. It can also be used
for instant decisions made at the time of speaking.
In 100 years' time, everyone will have an electric car.
2) Be going to is used for present situations that extend into the future, or for something you want to
do. There is often present evidence for the prediction.
The government is going to raise fuel taxes.
3) The present continuous is used for arrangements. It's very similar to going to for intention.
I'm cooking for six guests next week.
4) The present simple is used for timetabled events.
The meal starts at six.
5) In addition, we can use be about to talk about that will happen in the near future.
Quick, the film is about to start!
We're about to leave. Get on the bus.
6) Some normal verbs also indicate plans and intentions for the future.
I plan to study photography next year.
I aim to be finished by 8pm.
Mark intends to move to Berlin.
We've arranged to meet next Monday.
She decided to take the train tomorrow.
Form
Will: subject + will + infinitive
Be going to: subject + am/are/is going to + base form of verb
Present continuous: subject + am/are/is + ing form of verb
Present simple: subject + verb
About to: subject + am/are/is about to + base form
Normal verbs: use as usual, followed by to + base form of verb
Future tenses exercise
1. The train __________ (to arrive) at 12:30.
2. We __________ (to have) dinner at a seaside restaurant on Sunday.
3. It __________(to snow) in Brighton tomorrow evening.
4. On Friday at 8 o’clock I __________ (to meet) my friend.
5. Paul __________ (to fly) to London on Monday morning.
6. Wait! I __________ (to drive) you to the station.
7. The English lesson __________ (to start) at 8:45.
8. Are you still writing your essay? If you __________ (to finish) by 4pm, we can go
for a walk.
9. I __________ (to see) my mother in April.
10.Look at the clouds – it __________ (to rain) in a few minutes.
11.When they __________ (to get) married in March, they __________ (to be)
together for six years.
12.You’re carrying too much. I __________ (to open) the door for you.
13.Do you think the teacher __________ (to mark) our homework by Monday
morning?
14.When I __________ (to see) you tomorrow, I __________ (show) you my new
book.
15.After you __________ (to take) a nap, you __________ (to feel) a lot better
16.I’m sorry but you need to stay in the office until you __________ (to finish) your
work.
17.I __________ (to buy) the cigarettes from the corner shop when it __________ (to
open).
18.I __________ (to let) you know the second the builders __________ (to finish)
decorating.
19.Before we __________ (to start) our lesson, we __________ (to have) a review.
20.We __________ (to wait) in the shelter until the bus __________ (to come).
