Mastering the future tense is a crucial step in becoming proficient in any language. It allows you to talk about plans, make predictions, and express intentions. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of using future tense regular verbs in English. Understanding how to correctly form and use the future tense will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively.
Understanding Future Tense
The future tense is used to describe actions or events that will happen at a later time. Unlike some other tenses in English, the future tense is relatively straightforward, primarily because it doesn’t involve as many irregular verbs. Instead, the majority of English verbs follow regular patterns.
Formation of Future Tense with “Will”
The most common way to form the future tense in English is by using the auxiliary verb “will” followed by the base form of the main verb. Here’s the structure:
Subject + will + base form of the verb
For example:
– I will eat dinner at 7 PM.
– She will visit her grandparents next week.
– They will finish the project by tomorrow.
Formation of Future Tense with “Going To”
Another way to express the future tense is by using the phrase “going to” followed by the base form of the verb. This form is often used to indicate planned actions or events that are likely to happen.
Subject + am/is/are going to + base form of the verb
For example:
– I am going to study for the exam tonight.
– He is going to travel to Japan next year.
– They are going to build a new house.
Choosing Between “Will” and “Going To”
While both “will” and “going to” can be used to talk about the future, they are not always interchangeable. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the correct form:
1. **Decisions Made at the Moment of Speaking**:
Use “will” when you decide to do something at the time of speaking.
– “I am thirsty. I will get a glass of water.”
2. **Plans and Intentions**:
Use “going to” for plans and intentions that were made before the moment of speaking.
– “I am going to start a new job next month.”
3. **Predictions Based on Evidence**:
Use “going to” when you are making a prediction based on current evidence.
– “Look at those dark clouds. It is going to rain.”
4. **Predictions Without Evidence**:
Use “will” for predictions that are not based on present evidence.
– “I think they will win the game.”
Regular Verbs in Future Tense
Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern when forming the future tense. The base form of the verb remains unchanged, making it easier to learn and use.
Examples of Regular Verbs in Future Tense
Here are some examples of regular verbs used in the future tense with both “will” and “going to”:
1. **To work**:
– “She will work on the project tomorrow.”
– “She is going to work on the project tomorrow.”
2. **To play**:
– “They will play soccer this weekend.”
– “They are going to play soccer this weekend.”
3. **To watch**:
– “I will watch the movie tonight.”
– “I am going to watch the movie tonight.”
4. **To visit**:
– “We will visit the museum next week.”
– “We are going to visit the museum next week.”
Negating Future Tense
Negating the future tense involves adding “not” after “will” or before “going to”. Here are the structures:
Subject + will not (won’t) + base form of the verb
Subject + am/is/are not going to + base form of the verb
For example:
– “I will not go to the party.”
– “She is not going to visit her grandparents.”
Contractions in Future Tense
In everyday spoken and written English, contractions are often used to make sentences sound more natural. Here are some common contractions with “will”:
– 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’ll call you later.”
– “She’ll finish her homework soon.”
Questions in Future Tense
Forming questions in the future tense involves inverting the subject and the auxiliary verb “will” or using the appropriate form of “to be” with “going to”. Here are the structures:
Will + subject + base form of the verb?
Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base form of the verb?
For example:
– “Will you attend the meeting?”
– “Is he going to travel to Spain?”
Tag Questions in Future Tense
Tag questions are short questions added to the end of a statement, often used for confirmation. Here’s how to form them in the future tense:
Statement + will + subject?
Statement + is/are + subject + going to?
For example:
– “She’ll come to the party, won’t she?”
– “They are going to move, aren’t they?”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learning a new tense can be challenging, and mistakes are a natural part of the process. Here are some common mistakes learners make with the future tense and tips on how to avoid them:
1. **Using the Present Tense Instead of the Future Tense**:
– Incorrect: “I go to the store tomorrow.”
– Correct: “I will go to the store tomorrow.”
2. **Confusing “Will” and “Going To”**:
– Incorrect: “I will going to see a movie.”
– Correct: “I am going to see a movie.”
3. **Omitting “Will” or “Going To”**:
– Incorrect: “She visit her friend next week.”
– Correct: “She will visit her friend next week.”
4. **Incorrect Word Order in Questions**:
– Incorrect: “Will go you to the party?”
– Correct: “Will you go to the party?”
5. **Forgetting to Use Contractions in Informal Speech**:
– Incorrect: “I will not go.”
– Correct: “I won’t go.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of future tense regular verbs, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you master this tense:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses to complete the sentences in the future tense.
1. She ______ (finish) her work by 5 PM.
2. They ______ (visit) their grandparents this weekend.
3. I ______ (call) you later.
4. We ______ (attend) the concert next month.
5. He ______ (study) for the exam tonight.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences in the future tense using “will”.
1. She eats lunch at noon.
2. They play tennis on Saturdays.
3. I read a book before bed.
4. We visit the museum every year.
5. He watches TV in the evening.
Exercise 3: Form Questions
Form questions in the future tense using “will” or “going to” based on the given sentences.
1. She will finish her work by 5 PM. (Will)
2. They are going to visit their grandparents this weekend. (Are)
3. I will call you later. (Will)
4. We are going to attend the concert next month. (Are)
5. He will study for the exam tonight. (Will)
Conclusion
Mastering the future tense with regular verbs is an essential skill for effective communication in English. By understanding the formation and usage of “will” and “going to,” you can confidently express future actions, plans, and predictions. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to common mistakes to improve your proficiency.
With consistent effort and practice, you’ll find that using the future tense becomes second nature. Keep practicing with the exercises provided and incorporate what you’ve learned into your daily conversations. The more you use the future tense, the more natural it will become.
Happy learning!
