1.5: The 4 Main Future Forms

Question 1

What are the 4 main ways of referring to the future?

Answer 1

• Will/shall + inf (future simple)
• Be going to + inf
• Present continuous
• Present simple

Question 2

The choice between the four main future forms lies on the degree of certainty.
- 0% meaning: No plant/chances minimal
- 100% meaning: Everything is fixed, likeliness of something happening very great
Choose between will (future simple), be going to, present continuous, present simple.
Choices of degrees:
25%, 70%, 90%, 100%

Answer 2

25%: will (future simple)
70%: be going to
90: present continuous
100: present simple

Question 3

Future simple: How is it made?

Answer 3

Will + infinitive

Question 4

What are the uses for the future simple?

Answer 4

1 - Pure and neutral future; promises
2 - Spontaneous decision
3 - Hopes, beliefs, expectations, threats, predictions

Question 5

Name the use of the future simple in the following sentence:
- I’d like a cup fo coffee - I will get you one right away.

Answer 5

Spontaneous decision

Question 6

Name the use of the future simple in the following sentences:
- I will be back after the break
- When will you know the results?

Answer 6

Pure and neutral future; promises

Question 7

Name the use of the future simple in the following sentences:
- The Netherlands will win the world cup
- I will hit you if you do that again

Answer 7

Hopes, beliefs, expectations, threats and predictions

Question 8

Uses for to be going to + infinitive

Answer 8

• Personal plan or intention for the future (not yet arranged)
• A prediction based on present evidence

Question 9

Name the use of to be going to + inf. in the following sentences:
- Who are you going to call?
- He is going to spend his Spring break in Venezuela

Answer 9

A personal plan or intention for the future (not yet arranged)

Question 10

Name the use of to be going to + inf. in the following sentences:
- Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain!
- She is going to have a baby

Answer 10

A prediction based on present evidence (clouds signal rain, and the lady is pregnant)

Question 11

Present continuous (Future) : Use

Answer 11

When definite arrangements have been made for the near future
- Only a future tense when containing a time indication for the future.

Question 12

Name the use of the present continuous (future use) in the following sentences:
- I’m leaving for the Easter Islands in two weeks
- She is having a party on Sunday

Answer 12

Definite arrangements made for the future

Question 13

Present simple (future): Use

Answer 13

The future present is about fixed items: Timetables and schedules.
- Only a future tense when containing a time indication for the future

Question 14

Name the use of the present simple (future use) in the following sentences:
- The train leaves at nine.
- The flight departs at eleven o’clock.

Answer 14

The future present is about fixed items: Timetables and schedules.