Future tense
Simple form
We use the simple form will / shall for:
- Future plans, intentions and arrangements
I’ll check my diary.
- At the point of making a decision
I’ll book an appointment tomorrow.
Do not use ‘will‘
- to talk about something you’ve already decided or arranged – use the present continuous
I’m seeing John this weekend.
Negative
In written English will not is used
In spoken English will not = won’t
It will not be hard to find a decent dictionary.
It won’t take me long to drive to Darlington.
Shall / will
I and we use shall / will. The other pronouns tend not to use ‘shall’.
Future continuous tense
Use the continuous future to express:
- something arranged (I’ll be meeting John at the airport)
- predictability (I’ll be doing my Italian essay all afternoon)
- when expecting to be in the middle of an activity (Don’t expect me to answer the ‘phone – I’ll be busy painting the hall)
We use ‘will you be …ing ….?’
- to ask about someone’s plans, especially if you want something, or want them to do something
Will you be going anywhere near the High Street when you’re out? (ie Could you call and fetch / buy something for me if so?)
An exercise matching answers with their questions