SIMPLE FUTURE LY THUYET

SIMPLE FUTURE
Simple Future has two different forms in English: "will" and "be going to." These different
meanings might seem too abstract at first, but with time and practice, the differences will
become clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time in the future.
Even though most native speakers use these two interchangeably, "will", also referred as simple
future, has some grammatical differences from "going to" (planned future).
Even if you misuse them, a native speaker is going to understand you without any problems.

Uses

Will do

Be going to do

Future decisions

A spontaneous decision
E.x
- A: Oh, you have left the door
open.
B: Have I? I will go and shut
it.
- “We need some paper for the
photocopier.” “Okay, I’ll
go and get some.”

Express a Plan what
somebody has already
decided or arranged to
do in the future. (Prior
plan)

E.x
- Ann is traveling to New
York next week.
- I’m going to drive to
work today.
- They are going to
move to Manchester.
- A: Why is Betty in a
hurry?
B: Because she is going to
meet her brother at the
station at six.

Prediction

An opinion, hope,
uncertainty or assumption
regarding the future
- It will be a nice day
tomorrow.
- I think Brazil will win the
World Cup.
- I’m sure you will enjoy the
film.
- I hope you will come to my

When we can see that
something is likely to
happen: there is
aconcrete evidence

- Be careful! You are
going to fall.
- Look at those black
clouds. I think it’s going
to rain.
- I don't feel well. I think


party.

I'm going to throw up.
(throw up = vomit)
We generally use "will" for - She is standing at the
prediction with the following edge of the cliff, she is
verbs and phrases:
going to fall.
Believe , expect , hope ,
- Germany have just
think , wonder , I’m sure , I’m scored. England are going
afraid, I’m certain, 'probably', to lose again.
'possibly', 'I think', 'I hope'.
...etc
- I believe he will pass the
exam.
- I hope he won’t leave us.
- I am afraid he will fail the
exam.
- Do you think they will
divorce?
- The boss won't be very

happy.
- I'm certain he'll do a good
job.
- She'll probably be a great
success.
- I'll possibly come but I may
not get back in time.
I think we'll get on well.
We use "will" for prediction
in the remote future
- A: How is he, doctor?
B: Don’t worry. He will get
better.
- A: The bridge is not so safe.
B: Yes. One day it will
break down.
- Mary will get married in two
years.

Voluntary action

Use for scientific predictions
- In the future, people will
have bigger brain.
"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.
Similarly, we use "will not" or
"won't" when we refuse to
voluntarily do something.
E.x
- I will send you the
information when I get it.
- I will translate the email, so
Mr. Smith can read it.
- Will you help me move this
heavy table?
- Will you make dinner?
- I will not do your homework
for you.
- I won't do all the housework
myself!
- A: I'm really hungry.
B: I'll make some sandwiches.
Promises

"Will" is usually used in
promises.
E.x
- I will call you when I arrive.

- If I am elected President of
the United States, I will
make sure everyone has
access to inexpensive health
insurance.
- 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.

Future actions or
future states (not

- They will dance all night
long.


plans)

- Next month he will be ten
years old.
- How old will he be next
month?
- It will be very cold in the
winter.
- This winter will not be so
cold.

IMPORTANT

No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future forms, the Simple Future cannot be used in clauses beginning with time
expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of
Simple Future, Simple Present is used.
Examples:
- When you will arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Not Correct
- When you arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Correct
- But we can use will if it means a promise or offer:
- I will be very happy if you will come to my party.
- We should finish the job early if George will help us.
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