Here is a round up of how future actions can be expressed in English. There are five ways of talking about predictions, two options for intentions, three for arrangements and some other future meanings such as statements of fact, promises, hopes, warnings, timetables and so on.
Source:
1. M Foley, D. Hall. Advanced Learner's Grammar. Pearson Education Limited.
Use
|
Form
|
Example
|
PREDICTION
| ||
predictions based on guesswork, analysis and judgement
|
Future Simple
|
He probably won’t be in prison
for a long time.
The war will definitely be over
next month.
|
prediction with present evidence
|
be going to
|
Look at those clouds.
It’s going to rain.
|
prediction of an action in progress
|
Future Continuous
|
This time tomorrow
we’ll be sitting in a cafe.
|
prediction of an action completed by a point in the future
|
Future Perfect
|
I’ll have finished the report
by 3.30
|
prediction of an action still ongoing at a point in the future
|
Future Perfect Continuous
|
She’ll have been working
here for 25 years next month.
|
INTENTION
| ||
on-the-spot decision
|
Future Simple
|
|
intention
|
be going to
|
They are going to travel together.
|
ARRANGEMENTS
| ||
Arranged events
|
Present Continuous
|
We are seeing a musical
at the theatre next week.
|
Events arranged in the past
|
Future Continuous
|
We’ll be coming back from London
on Sunday
|
Tactful queries / reasons for rejections
|
Future Continuous
|
Will you be eating with us?
Sorry, I can’t I will be studying.
|
OTHER FUTURE MEANINGS
| ||
Timetable future
|
Present Simple
|
The train arrives at 5.55 pm
|
Routine events
|
Future Continuous
|
We’ll be having our weekly meeting tomorrow. So I’ll present your report.
|
Statements of fact /
|
Future Simple
|
Next week I’ll be 21.
|
Promises / Hopes
|
Future Simple
|
I’ll call you as soon as I get to the hotel.
I hope you’ll be OK.
|
Warnings / Threats
|
Future Simple
|
If you don’t revise, you’ll fail your exam.
If you fail the exam, you’ll be punished.
|
Requests / Offers
|
Future Simple
|
Will you give me a hand with this? You look tired. I’ll help you with this.
|
In time clauses
|
Present Simple
|
He’ll stay until you get here.
|
FUTURE EXPRESSIONS
| ||
official arrangements
|
be to
|
The President is to hold an official reception for the visitors.
|
timetables
|
be due to
|
The train is due to arrive at 5.30, but it may be delayed.
|
immediate future
|
be about to
be on the point /
verge of
|
Come on! The check-in desk is just about to close.
|
probability / certainty
|
be (un)likely to
be sure / bound / certain to
|
The payment is likely to take ten days.
|
Source:
1. M Foley, D. Hall. Advanced Learner's Grammar. Pearson Education Limited.
