The Future Tense refers to verb forms used to describe actions or events that will happen later. In this lesson, we explore its definition and various types, including the simple future, future continuous, future perfect, and future perfect continuous. We also learn the correct usage of 'shall' and 'will' in different contexts, along with their negative forms and question structures. Additionally, we cover common time expressions that indicate future actions and highlight frequent mistakes to avoid, ensuring accurate and confident usage of the future tense in communication.
Future tense is a verb tense that expresses actions or events that will happen in the future. It indicates something that has not yet occurred but is expected to take place after the present moment.
Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: The future tense is the form of a verb that refers to an action or event that has not yet happened but will happen after the present time."
Cambridge Dictionary: In grammar, the future tense is the verb form used to describe something that will happen or exist in the future."
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: The future tense is a verb tense that expresses action or a state of being that will occur at a later time."
The future tense is used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future. There are four main types of future tense:
The Simple Future Tense is used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future. It is often used to express:
Positive: Subject + will + base form of verb
Negative: Subject + will not (won’t) + base form of verb
Interrogative: Will + subject + base form of verb?
Future Continuous Tense refers to actions that will be happening at a specific time in the future. It is used to describe an ongoing action that will occur over a period of time in the future.
Positive: Subject + will be + verb-ing (present participle)
Negative: Subject + will not be + verb-ing
Interrogative: Will + subject + be + verb-ing?
The Future Perfect Tense is used when you want to talk about something that will be completed before a specific time in the future. Basically, it’s all about actions that will have already happened by a certain point in the future.
Positive: Subject + will have + past participle of verb
Negative: Subject + will not have + past participle of verb
Interrogative: Will + subject + have + past participle of verb + (optional time)?
The Future Perfect Continuous Tense is used to show that an action will have been happening for a certain period of time at a specific point in the future. It emphasizes the duration of an action up to a particular future moment.
Positive: Subject + will have been + verb(+ing) + (for/since + time)
Negative: Subject + will not have been + verb(+ing) + (for/since + time)
Interrogative: Will + subject + have been + verb(+ing) + (for/since + time)?
The future tense with 'shall' is primarily used to indicate future actions, intentions, promises, or formal obligations. While 'will' is more commonly used in modern English, 'shall' still appears in specific contexts.
1. Formal Future Statements (Especially with "I" and "We")
Example:
2. Promises & Assurances
Example:
3. Obligations & Commands (Legal or formal context)
Example:
4. Determination or Strong Intent (With "I" and "We")
Example:
5. Offers or Suggestions (British English)
Example:
The future tense with "will" is one of the most common ways to talk about the future in English. It is used for predictions, spontaneous decisions, promises, offers, and future facts.
Structure: Subject + will + base verb + rest of the sentence
1. Predictions
2. Spontaneous Decisions
3. Promises and Offers
4. Future Facts
5. Threats and Warnings
Subject + will not (won't) + base verb + rest of the sentence
Will + subject + base verb + rest of the sentence?
The negative form in the future tense is typically constructed using 'will not' (won't) or 'shall not' (shan't, though rare in modern usage) before the base form of the verb.
Structure: Subject + will not (won’t) + base verb + object/complement
Examples:
Structure: Subject + shall not (shan’t) + base verb + object/complement
Examples:
Structure: Subject + be (am/is/are) + not + going to + base verb
Examples:
Structure: Subject + will not be + verb (-ing)
Examples:
Structure: Subject + will not have + past participle
Examples:
Questions in the future tense are used to ask about actions or events that will happen in the future. There are different ways to form future tense questions, depending on the structure and meaning.
The most common way to form future questions is by using 'will' before the subject.
Will + subject + base verb + (rest of the sentence)?
We use 'be going to' to ask about planned actions or predictions.
(Am/Is/Are) + subject + going to + base verb + (rest of the sentence)?
"Shall" is used in formal contexts or to make suggestions and offers, mainly with I and we.
Used to ask about ongoing actions at a specific time in the future.
Will + subject + be + verb (-ing) + (rest of the sentence)?
Used to ask if something will be completed before a specific time in the future.
Will + subject + have + past participle + (rest of the sentence)?
Used to ask about actions that will have been happening for a period of time in the future.
Will + subject + have been + verb (-ing) + (rest of the sentence)?
To ask for specific information, use who, what, where, when, why, how, etc. before the future tense question.
Time expressions are essential when talking about the future in English. They help specify when an action will take place. Here are some common time expressions used with the future tense:
1. Specific Time in the Future
2. General Time References
3. Expressions Indicating Duration
4. Expressions with Future Perfect Tense
Examples:
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the future tense:
1. Confusing Future Forms:
'Will' vs. 'Going to': "Will" is used for predictions or decisions made at the moment of speaking, while "going to" is used for plans or intentions.
2. Using Present Tense for Future Events: The present simple is only used for scheduled events, not for general future actions.
3. Using "Will" for All Future Plans: While "will" is commonly used, "going to" is often more natural for future plans and intentions.
4. Incorrect Word Order in Questions: In questions, the subject and auxiliary verb ("will") should be inverted.
5. Not Using Future Continuous or Perfect for Specific Future Contexts: For actions that will be ongoing at a future time, use future continuous.
For actions that will have been completed before a future point, use future perfect.
6. Misusing "Shall": "Shall" is more formal and typically used with "I" and "we" in British English. In American English, "will" is more commonly used for all subjects.
7. Using "Will" for Future Conditional: For future conditional sentences, avoid using "will" in both clauses.
8. Overusing Future Tense for Future Predictions: You can sometimes use present tense for future predictions, especially when you’re talking about scheduled events or facts.