Future Forms

Future forms and uses

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There are several ways to use verbs to talk about the future in English. This is a complicated area of grammar: the differences between the meanings and uses of the different structures are not easy to analyse and describe clearly. In many, but not all situations, two or more structures are possible with similar meanings. [sources: My Grammar Lab & Practical English Usage]

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FORM	USE	EXAMPLES
future simple: will / won’t + infinitive	general prediction (or with: I think)	- I bet we'll still be in this house in twenty years' time. - Who will win the election? - I think it will cost you a fortune to repair.
	future facts	- Next year will be a leap year. - One day, cars will fly.
	decision made at the time of speaking	- Oh, our guests are here. I'll sort out some drinks and nibbles.
be going to + infinitive	prediction based on present evidence	- Kate Atkinson's new book has already sold thousands of copies; it's going to be a bestseller. - Look out! You are going to spill your coffee!
	Intention / plan (personal or impersonal)	- Is the management going to accept the current pay claim? - When are you going to get your hair cut?
present continuous	arrangements	- Next year we're working on a joint project with the Frankfurt office.
future continuous: will/won’t be + -ing form	prediction of an action in progress	- By next July the economy will be growing at a healthy rate once more.
	plans made in the past	- I can't make next Monday's class as I'll be returning from my long weekend away.
	events that are part of a routine	- The committee will be meeting at the usual time on Friday.
future perfect: will/won’t have + past participle	prediction about a completed action in the future	- Will you have discussed this with your boss before you go to the conference?
present simple	an event that is part of a timetable	- The lecture starts tomorrow evening at 8.00 p.m.
	after certain expressions	- We will send you the books you ordered as soon as we receive payment. - I’ll write when I have time. - Will you stay here until the plane takes off? - I’ll lend it to you on condition that you bring it back tomorrow.
be about to	event we intended or expect to happen in the near future	- Please take your seats, the performance is about to start. - Come on! The check in desk is just about to close
be on the point (verge) of (doing sth.)	near future	- Throughout the scene you can see that he is on the point of leaving, but… - Some species are on the verge of extinction.