Simple Future Tense

For actions or events that will happen after the present moment

The Simple Future Tense describes:

  • Decisions made at the moment of speaking
  • Predictions about the future
  • Promises, offers, warnings, or threats
  • Actions or events that will definitely happen

Structure: will + base verb

Core Characteristics

  • Future Time: Used to express actions that have not yet happened
  • Spontaneous Decisions: Often used when you decide something while speaking
  • No Change to Main Verb: Always use base form after “will”
  • Can Be Used for Predictions: Often with “I think,” “probably,” etc.

Formation Rules - Simple Future Tense

1. Affirmative Sentences

Rule: Subject + will + base verb

  • She will go to Paris.
  • I will help you later.

2. Negative Sentences

Rule: Subject + will not (won’t) + base verb

  • He will not eat meat.
  • We won’t come tomorrow.

3. Yes/No Questions

Rule: Will + subject + base verb?

  • Will she join us?
  • Will they start the project?

4. Wh- Questions

Rule: Wh- word + will + subject + base verb?

  • When will we arrive?
  • What will she say?

Key Uses with Examples

1. Spontaneous Decisions

  • “I'm cold.” → “I will close the window.”
  • “I forgot my book.” → “I will lend you mine.”

2. Predictions

  • It will rain tomorrow.
  • People will live on Mars one day.

3. Promises or Threats

  • I will always love you.
  • You will regret this!

4. Scheduled or Expected Events

  • The flight will depart at 6 a.m.
  • She will start college next fall.

Common Errors & Corrections

1. Using Present Instead of Future
  • ❌ “She goes to the party tomorrow.” → ✅ “She will go to the party tomorrow.”
2. Using “will” with another modal
  • ❌ “She might will come.” → ✅ “She might come” or “She will come.”
3. Incorrect Verb Form After “Will”
  • ❌ “He will went to school.” → ✅ “He will go to school.”

Practice Exercises

1. Complete the Sentences

  1. I (help) _____ you with that. → will help
  2. They (not come) _____ to the party. → won’t come

2. Make Questions

  1. You will eat lunch. → Will you eat lunch?
  2. He will stay here. → Will he stay here?

3. Write Negatives

  1. She will call. → She won’t call.
  2. We will travel. → We will not travel.

Advanced Notes

1. Will vs. Going To

“Will” is often used for sudden decisions or predictions. “Going to” is used for planned actions or evidence-based predictions.

  • I will visit grandma. (decided now)
  • I’m going to visit grandma. (already planned)

2. Time Markers

Common time expressions:

  • tomorrow, next week, in two days, soon, later

3. “Shall” (British Formal Usage)

In formal British English, “shall” may replace “will” with “I” or “we” (especially for offers or suggestions):

  • Shall we go now?
  • I shall return.