Expressions With Future Meaning

Question 1

Fixed planned events…

Answer 1

Be to + inf…

Mamma Mia is to be the first western musical to be traslated into Chinese

Question 2

Events that will happen very soon

Answer 2

Be about to + inf

The world is about to find out whether the Chinese mamma Mia will be a success.

Question 3

Events that will happen very soon 2

Answer 3

On the point of
On the verge of

Some veteran musicians are on the verge of retiring.

Question 4

Probability

Answer 4

Be likely / unlikely to + inf

A rock music concert is likely to attract people of different ages.

Question 5

Probability 2

Answer 5

Expect. Sb/sth to + ing

Joe’s expecting his agent to call him any day now.

Question 6

Probability 3

Answer 6

Stand to + inf

If he gets the film part, he stands to make a lot of money.

Question 7

Things we feel certain about

Answer 7

Bound to + inf

Gemma’s accident is bound to set us back.

Question 8

To talk about planned events that didn’t happen (3)

Answer 8

Just about to + inf
Thanks for ringing, I was just about to call you.

Was/were going to + inf
They were going to have wonderful special effects but the computer broke down.

Supposed to/ due to + inf
We were supposed/due to meet the director tomorrow but he’s cancelled the meeting.