Learning how to use the future tense is a crucial part of mastering any language, and English is no exception. Whether you are making plans, predicting outcomes, or expressing your intentions, the future tense helps you communicate your thoughts about what is yet to come. In this article, we will explore the future tense of common verbs in English, providing clear explanations and examples to help you understand and use them effectively.
Understanding the Future Tense
The future tense in English can be a bit tricky because it can be expressed in several different ways. Unlike some other languages, English does not have a single, dedicated future tense verb form. Instead, we use auxiliary verbs and different constructions to indicate that an action or event will happen in the future. The most common ways to express the future in English are:
1. **Using “will”**
2. **Using “going to”**
3. **Using the present continuous tense**
4. **Using the simple present tense (in specific contexts)**
Let’s dive into each of these methods in more detail.
Using “Will”
The most straightforward way to form the future tense in English is by using the auxiliary verb “will” followed by the base form of the main verb. This construction is used to make predictions, express spontaneous decisions, and talk about future facts.
**Example Sentences:**
– I will travel to Japan next year.
– She will be 30 years old tomorrow.
– They will probably finish the project on time.
**Structure:**
– Affirmative: Subject + will + base form of the verb.
– She will go to the concert.
– Negative: Subject + will not (won’t) + base form of the verb.
– He won’t attend the meeting.
– Interrogative: Will + subject + base form of the verb?
– Will you come to the party?
Using “Going To”
Another common way to express the future is by using “going to” followed by the base form of the verb. This construction is often used to talk about plans, intentions, and predictions based on current evidence.
**Example Sentences:**
– I am going to start a new job next month.
– Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.
– They are going to move to a new house.
**Structure:**
– Affirmative: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of the verb.
– We are going to visit our grandparents.
– Negative: Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base form of the verb.
– She is not going to join the club.
– Interrogative: Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base form of the verb?
– Are you going to buy a new car?
Using the Present Continuous Tense
The present continuous tense (also known as the present progressive) can also be used to talk about future events, especially when they are planned or scheduled. This usage often implies a personal arrangement or a definite plan.
**Example Sentences:**
– I am meeting my friend for lunch tomorrow.
– They are flying to Paris next week.
– She is starting her new course in January.
**Structure:**
– Affirmative: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing.
– He is having a party next Saturday.
– Negative: Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing.
– I am not attending the conference.
– Interrogative: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing?
– Are you coming to the meeting?
Using the Simple Present Tense
In certain contexts, especially when referring to scheduled events such as timetables, programs, or itineraries, the simple present tense can be used to indicate future events. This usage is less common but still important to recognize.
**Example Sentences:**
– The train leaves at 6 PM.
– The movie starts at 8 PM.
– The meeting begins at 9 AM tomorrow.
**Structure:**
– Affirmative: Subject + base form of the verb.
– The flight departs at noon.
– Negative: Subject + do/does + not + base form of the verb.
– The shop does not open until 10 AM.
– Interrogative: Do/Does + subject + base form of the verb?
– Does the bus arrive at 7 PM?
Common Verbs in the Future Tense
To help you get a better grasp of how to use the future tense, let’s take a look at some common verbs and how they are used in different future tense constructions. We will focus on the verbs “go,” “come,” “see,” “do,” and “have.”
The Verb “Go”
**Using “will”:**
– I will go to the store later.
– He will not go to the party.
– Will they go on vacation next month?
**Using “going to”:**
– She is going to go to college next year.
– We are not going to go to the concert.
– Are you going to go to the meeting?
**Using the present continuous:**
– They are going to the beach tomorrow.
– I am not going to the gym tonight.
– Is he going to the doctor’s appointment?
**Using the simple present (for schedules):**
– The bus goes at 5 PM.
– The train does not go on Sundays.
– Does the ferry go every hour?
The Verb “Come”
**Using “will”:**
– She will come to the meeting.
– They will not come to the party.
– Will you come to the event?
**Using “going to”:**
– I am going to come to the wedding.
– He is not going to come to the barbecue.
– Are they going to come to the reunion?
**Using the present continuous:**
– We are coming to your house later.
– She is not coming to the conference.
– Is he coming to the match?
**Using the simple present (for schedules):**
– The train comes at 7 PM.
– The bus does not come on holidays.
– Does the flight come in the morning?
The Verb “See”
**Using “will”:**
– I will see you tomorrow.
– She will not see the movie.
– Will they see the new exhibit?
**Using “going to”:**
– He is going to see a doctor.
– We are not going to see the play.
– Are you going to see the performance?
**Using the present continuous:**
– I am seeing my friend later.
– She is not seeing the dentist today.
– Are they seeing the movie tonight?
**Using the simple present (for schedules):**
– The tour sees the monument at noon.
– The group does not see the museum on Mondays.
– Does the schedule see the landmarks every day?
The Verb “Do”
**Using “will”:**
– I will do my homework later.
– She will not do the dishes.
– Will they do the project?
**Using “going to”:**
– He is going to do the laundry.
– We are not going to do the assignment.
– Are you going to do the shopping?
**Using the present continuous:**
– I am doing my exercise routine.
– She is not doing her chores.
– Are they doing their work?
**Using the simple present (for schedules):**
– The program does its routine at 8 AM.
– The machine does not do the process overnight.
– Does the system do the update daily?
The Verb “Have”
**Using “will”:**
– I will have a meeting later.
– She will not have time to finish.
– Will they have dinner with us?
**Using “going to”:**
– He is going to have a baby.
– We are not going to have a picnic.
– Are you going to have a party?
**Using the present continuous:**
– I am having lunch now.
– She is not having any luck.
– Are they having a good time?
**Using the simple present (for schedules):**
– The event has a break at 10 AM.
– The schedule does not have a free slot.
– Does the program have a session every week?
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of the future tense, try these practice exercises:
1. Complete the sentences using “will” or “going to”:
– I __________ (visit) my grandparents next weekend.
– She __________ (not attend) the seminar tomorrow.
– __________ (you/come) to the party tonight?
2. Rewrite the sentences using the present continuous tense:
– I will meet my friend at 5 PM.
– They are going to watch a movie tonight.
– She will not join the gym this month.
3. Identify the correct future tense form to complete the sentences:
– The train __________ (leave) at 8 PM.
– He __________ (not go) to the meeting.
– __________ (you/see) the doctor tomorrow?
Answer Key:
1.
– am going to visit
– will not attend
– Will you come
2.
– I am meeting my friend at 5 PM.
– They are watching a movie tonight.
– She is not joining the gym this month.
3.
– leaves
– is not going to go
– Are you seeing
Conclusion
Mastering the future tense in English is essential for effective communication about upcoming events and plans. By understanding and practicing the different ways to express the future—using “will,” “going to,” the present continuous, and the simple present—you can enhance your language skills and express your thoughts more clearly.
Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which each future tense form is used. With time and practice, you will become more comfortable and confident in using the future tense of common verbs in English. Happy learning!
