FUTURE in english: introduction

Many ways to talk about the future.

There are many ways to talk about the « future » in english.
Maybe you think that « will » is the « future » tense in english? It’s not really true.

We can talk about the future and we use « WILL »,

but we can talk too about a present situation and use « WILL »,
and we can express the future with a present tense (continuous / simple).

1/ Future Events certain: « will »

Next year, I’ll be 25.

2/ Future Events less certain: « will » + maybe, perhaps, possibly, probably

Maybe she’ll come tonight at the party.
Perhaps you’ll see her.
She’ll possibly come with her friends.
She’ll probably be happy to see you.

3/ Future that you hope/think: « will » + I hope, I think, etc …

I hope I’ll go to NY next summer.

4/ About a decision:

« will » + decision => We will go to NY next summer.
going to + decision => We’re going to NY. (it’s sure!).
(Your decision is made, it’s the « go-future ».

5/ About Events = prediction based on an evidence in the present?

We use « going to »:
I’m going to the theater tonight.

6/ Events = evidence? (no relation with the present).

We use « WILL »:
She probably won’t have enough time.

7/ Events are arranged?

We can use the Present Continuous:
I’m leaving next Monday.

8/ Events are « timetable »:

We can use the Present Simple:
My train leaves at 8.00

=> As you can see, there are many ways to talk about a future event.

ENGLISH FUTURE: