Simple Future has two
different forms in English: "will" and "be going to."
Although the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often
express two very different meanings. These different meanings might seem too
abstract at first, but with time and practice, the differences will become
clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time
in the future.
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use "will" to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help. We also use "will" when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we use "will not" or "won't" when we refuse to voluntarily do something.
"Will" is usually used in promises.
"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future. It does not matter whether the plan is realistic or not.
Both "will" and "be going to" can express the idea of a general prediction about the future. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. I
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do
something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for
someone else. Often, we use "will" to respond to someone else's
complaint or request for help. We also use "will" when we request that
someone help us or volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we use
"will not" or "won't" when we refuse to voluntarily do
something.
Examples:
I will send you the information when I get it.
I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
Will you help me move this heavy table?
Will you make dinner?
I will not do your homework for you.
I won't do all the housework myself!
A: I'm really hungry.
B: I'll make some sandwiches.
A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep.
B: I'll get you some coffee.
A: The phone is ringing.
B: I'll get it
.
USE 2
"Will" to Express a Promise
"Will" is usually used in promises.
Examples:
I will call you when I arrive.
If I am elected President of the United States, I will make
sure everyone has access to inexpensive health insurance.
I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
Don't worry, I'll be careful.
I won't tell anyone your secret.
Structure
Time expressions
Examples
Future actions or future states (not plans):
They will dance all night long.
Next month he will be ten years old.
How old will he be next month?
It will be very cold in the winter.
This winter will not be so cold.
I hope you will have a successful trip.
I hope you will not be disappointed.
He won't be late again.
What time will he arrive?
She will be very happy when she finds out.
We will eat in ten minutes.
You will see him in a minute.
I believe it will be a very nice party.
Promises or intentions:
I will always help you.
We will win this match!
I will drop by later.
Will you come with us?
We will stay for dinner.
I won't give up.
I will do it tomorrow.I will fix the car as soon as I can.
We won't tell anyone about it.
Exercises ( to do the exercises press on the links)
"Shall" is used to indicate future action. It is most commonly
used in sentences with "I" or "we," and is often found in
suggestions, such as "Shall we go?" "Shall" is also
frequently used in promises or voluntary actions. In formal English, the use of
"shall" to describe future events often expresses inevitability or
predestination. "Shall" is much more commonly heard in British
English than in American English; Americans prefer to use other forms, although
they do sometimes use "shall" in suggestions or formalized language.
Examples:
Shall I help you? suggestion
I shall never
forget where I came from. promise
He shall become
our next king. predestination
I'm
afraid Mr. Smith shall become our new director. inevitability
