When learning English, one of the trickiest aspects to master is the use of irregular verbs, particularly when it comes to forming different tenses. While many verbs in English follow a predictable pattern when conjugated, irregular verbs do not. This unpredictability can make forming the future tense of these verbs especially challenging for learners. In this article, we’ll delve into the future tense of irregular verbs, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you understand and use them correctly.
Understanding Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs are verbs that do not follow the standard rules for conjugation. For example, while regular verbs typically add “-ed” for their past forms (e.g., “walk” becomes “walked”), irregular verbs can change in a variety of ways (e.g., “go” becomes “went”). However, when it comes to the future tense, even irregular verbs have a more straightforward rule to follow.
The Future Tense in English
The future tense in English is generally formed with the modal auxiliary verb “will” or “shall” followed by the base form of the main verb. This rule applies to both regular and irregular verbs. For example:
– Regular verb: “I will walk to the store.”
– Irregular verb: “I will go to the store.”
As you can see, the base form of the verb is used after “will” or “shall,” making the future tense relatively simple. However, there are some nuances and additional forms to be aware of, particularly with irregular verbs.
Irregular Verbs in the Future Tense
While the general rule of using “will” or “shall” followed by the base form applies to most verbs, including irregular ones, there are a few important points to consider when dealing with specific irregular verbs.
Common Irregular Verbs and Their Future Forms
Here is a list of some common irregular verbs and their future forms:
1. **Be**: “I will be happy.”
2. **Become**: “She will become a doctor.”
3. **Begin**: “The meeting will begin at 10 AM.”
4. **Break**: “He will break the record.”
5. **Bring**: “They will bring the snacks.”
6. **Buy**: “We will buy a new house.”
7. **Come**: “She will come to the party.”
8. **Do**: “I will do my homework.”
9. **Drink**: “He will drink the coffee.”
10. **Eat**: “They will eat dinner at 7 PM.”
11. **Go**: “We will go to the beach.”
12. **Know**: “She will know the answer.”
13. **Make**: “He will make a cake.”
14. **Say**: “They will say their vows.”
15. **See**: “We will see the movie.”
16. **Take**: “I will take a nap.”
17. **Think**: “She will think about it.”
18. **Write**: “He will write a book.”
As shown, the future tense forms of these irregular verbs are straightforward, using “will” or “shall” followed by the base form of the verb.
Contracted Forms
In spoken English, it is common to use contracted forms of “will” and “shall” with pronouns. Here are some examples:
– I will → I’ll
– You will → You’ll
– He will → He’ll
– She will → She’ll
– It will → It’ll
– We will → We’ll
– They will → They’ll
For example:
– “I will go” becomes “I’ll go.”
– “She will know” becomes “She’ll know.”
These contractions are frequently used in conversational English, making speech sound more natural and fluid.
Special Cases and Exceptions
While the future tense of irregular verbs generally follows the “will + base form” rule, there are some special cases and exceptions to be aware of.
Future Continuous Tense
The future continuous tense is used to describe actions that will be ongoing at a specific point in the future. It is formed using “will be” followed by the present participle (base form + -ing) of the verb. Here are some examples with irregular verbs:
– **Go**: “I will be going to the store.”
– **Come**: “She will be coming to the party.”
– **Do**: “He will be doing his homework.”
This tense is useful for emphasizing the duration or ongoing nature of a future action.
Future Perfect Tense
The future perfect tense describes actions that will be completed by a specific time in the future. It is formed using “will have” followed by the past participle of the verb. Here are some examples with irregular verbs:
– **Go**: “I will have gone to the store by 5 PM.”
– **Come**: “She will have come to the party by then.”
– **Do**: “He will have done his homework by tomorrow.”
This tense highlights the completion of an action relative to a future time.
Future Perfect Continuous Tense
The future perfect continuous tense describes actions that will have been ongoing for a certain period by a specific time in the future. It is formed using “will have been” followed by the present participle of the verb. Here are some examples with irregular verbs:
– **Go**: “I will have been going to the store for an hour by 5 PM.”
– **Come**: “She will have been coming to the party for years.”
– **Do**: “He will have been doing his homework for two hours by then.”
This tense emphasizes the duration of an action up to a certain point in the future.
Practice and Application
To master the future tense of irregular verbs, consistent practice and application are crucial. Here are some exercises and strategies to help you practice:
Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises
Create sentences with blank spaces where the future tense of an irregular verb should be used. For example:
1. “I ____ (go) to the store tomorrow.”
2. “She ____ (do) her homework tonight.”
3. “They ____ (come) to the party next week.”
Fill in the blanks with the correct future tense forms:
1. “I will go to the store tomorrow.”
2. “She will do her homework tonight.”
3. “They will come to the party next week.”
Sentence Transformation Exercises
Transform sentences from the present tense to the future tense. For example:
1. Present: “I eat breakfast at 8 AM.”
Future: “I will eat breakfast at 8 AM.”
2. Present: “She writes a letter.”
Future: “She will write a letter.”
3. Present: “They bring snacks.”
Future: “They will bring snacks.”
Conversation Practice
Engage in conversations where you intentionally use the future tense of irregular verbs. For example, you can discuss your plans for the weekend or your goals for the next year. Here are some prompts to get you started:
– “What will you do this weekend?”
– “Where will you go on your next vacation?”
– “What will she say at the meeting?”
By practicing in context, you can improve your fluency and confidence in using the future tense of irregular verbs.
Tips for Learning Irregular Verbs
Learning irregular verbs can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make the process more manageable. Here are some tips to help you:
Create Flashcards
Flashcards are a great way to memorize irregular verbs. Write the base form of the verb on one side and its past and future forms on the other. Review the flashcards regularly to reinforce your memory.
Group Verbs by Patterns
Some irregular verbs follow similar patterns. For example, “come” and “become” both follow the pattern of adding “will” in the future tense. Grouping verbs by patterns can make it easier to remember their forms.
Use Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices are memory aids that can help you remember irregular verbs. For example, you can create a story or image that links the base form of the verb with its future form. The more vivid and imaginative the mnemonic, the better it will stick in your memory.
Read and Listen to English
Exposure to English through reading and listening can help you internalize the future tense forms of irregular verbs. Pay attention to how these verbs are used in context, whether in books, articles, movies, or conversations.
Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is key to mastering irregular verbs. Set aside time each day to review and practice these verbs. The more you practice, the more natural they will become.
Conclusion
Mastering the future tense of irregular verbs is an essential skill for English learners. While irregular verbs can be challenging due to their lack of predictable patterns, the future tense is relatively straightforward, typically using “will” or “shall” followed by the base form of the verb. By understanding the rules, practicing regularly, and using effective learning strategies, you can become proficient in using the future tense of irregular verbs. Remember to engage in conversations, create exercises, and expose yourself to English in various forms to reinforce your learning. With dedication and practice, you’ll be able to confidently use irregular verbs in the future tense and enhance your overall fluency in English.
