Future tenses

1. Future tenses

Spotlight 10 ( +9)

2. FUTURE SIMPLE

• For predictions ( usually with hope, think, believe,
expect, imagine, I’m sure, I’m afraid, probably,
perhaps)
I believe he’ll have to cancel his trip
He’ll probably be late
• For promises
I promise I won’t forget you
• For on-the-spot decisions
I’m so tired, I’ll take a break
• For threats
If you don’t study hard, you will fail your exam
• For hopes, fears, offers, promises, warnings,
predictions, requests, comments, etc. especially with :
expect, hope, believe
I’m afraid she will be busy tomorrow
• For things we are not yet sure about or we haven't
decided to do yet
Maybe I’ll go to the cinema later.
(Shall woth I and WE is typically used in interrogative form
when makinf suggestions, offers and asking for advice)

3. FUTURE CONTINUOUS

• For actions which will be in progress
at a started future time
This time next week I’ll be sunbathing in
Barbados
• For actions which will definitely
happen in the future as a result of
routine of arrangement
She will be driving to Milan tonight
• When we ask politely about
someone’s plans for the near future
Will you be watching the show tonight?

4. FUTURE PERFECT

• For an action which will be finished before a
started future action
She will have written for essay by 7 o’clock

5. BE GOING TO

• To talk about out future plans and intentions
She’s going to go shopping tomorrow (she’s planning to…)
BUT
We use will fot on-the-spot decisions
I’m thirsty . I think I’ll have a glass of water
• To make predictions based on what we see or know
There are black clouds in the sky. It looks like it is going to rain.
BUT
We use will to make predictions based on what we think
of imagine
I think she’ll become a great writer.
• To talk about things we are sure about or we have
already decided to do in the near future
They are going to build a bridge here ( It has been decided)

6.

Present Simple
(future meaning)
Timetables / programmes
The bus arrives at 2 o’clock in the
morning
Present Continuous
(future meaning)
Fixed arrangements in the near
future
I am relaxing at home this
weekend(It’s planned)