Forming
The 'simple' future is composed of two parts: will / shall + the infinitive without 'to'
Affirmative
Subject + will/shall + V(infinitive)
- He will leave.
- I will do.
- I shall do.
Negative
Subject + will + not + V(infinitive)
Subject + won't + V(infinitive)
- He will not leave.
- They won't see.
Interrogative
Will + Subject + V(infinitive)
- Will he leave?
- Will they go?
- Will she ask?
Interrogative negative
Won't + Subject + V(infinitive)
Contractions
- I will => I'll
- You will => You'll
- We will => we'll
- You will => you'll
- They will => they'll
- He will => He'll
- She will => She'll
NOTE: The form 'it will' is not normally shortened.
Example: to see, simple future
| Affirmative |
Negative |
Interrogative |
|
I'll see
|
I won't see
|
Will I see?
|
|
*I will / shall see
|
I shan't see
|
Shall I see?
|
|
You'll see
|
You won't see
|
Will you see?
|
|
He, she, it will see
|
He won't see
|
Will she see?
|
|
We'll see
|
We won't see
|
Will we see?
|
|
*We will / shall see
|
We shan't see
|
Shall we see?
|
|
You will see
|
You won't see
|
Will you see?
|
|
They'll see
|
They won't see
|
Will they see?
|
*NOTE: shall is slightly dated but can be used instead of will with I or we.
Function
The simple future refers to a time later than now, and expresses facts or certainty. In this case there is no 'attitude'.
The simple future is used:
1. No Plan
We use the Future Simple tense when there is no plan or decision to do something before we speak. We make the decision spontaneously at the time of speaking. We often use the Future Simple tense with the verb to think before it.
- Hold on. I'll get a pen.
- We will see what we can do to help you.
- Maybe we'll stay in and watch television tonight.
- I think I'll go to the gym tomorrow.
- I think I will have a holiday next year.
- I don't think I'll buy that car.
2. To predict a future event
We often use the Future Simple tense to make a prediction about the future. Again, there is no firm plan. We are saying what we think will happen.
- It will rain tomorrow.
- People won't go to Jupiter before the 22nd century.
- Who do you think will get the job?
3. To express a spontaneous decision or a Promise (with I/we)
"Will" is usually used in promises.
- I'll pay for the tickets by credit card.
- I will call you when I arrive.
- I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
- Don't worry, I'll be careful.
- I won't tell anyone your secret.
4. To express willingness or a Voluntary Action
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use "will" to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help. We also use "will" when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us.
- I'll do the washing-up.
- He'll carry your bag for you.
- I will send you the information when I get it.
- I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
5. To express unwillingness (in the negative form)
Similarly, we use "will not" or "won't" when we refuse to voluntarily do something.
- The baby won't eat his soup.
- I won't leave until I've seen the manager!
6. To give an invitation (with you)
- Will you come to the dance with me?
- Will you marry me?
7. To make an offer (with I in the interrogative form using "shall")
8. To make a suggestion (with we in the interrogative form using "shall")
- Shall we go to the cinema tonight?
9. To give orders (with you)
- You will do exactly as I say.
10. To ask for advice or instructions (with I in the interrogative form)
- What shall I tell the boss about this money?
NOTE: In modern English will is preferred to shall.
Shall is mainly used with I and we to make an offer or suggestion.
With the other persons (you, he, she, they) shall is only used in literary or poetic situations, e.g.
- "With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, She shall have music wherever she goes."