EL 321 Future forms

EL 321

Future Forms:

Will V1, is/are V ing, is/are going to V1

Will

Use

Here we look at three cases in the use of the Future Simple:

• predicting the future
• no prior plan
• main verb be

1) Predictions, assumptions without any clear evidence

I think gold prices will rise a little next year.

---

2) Spontaneous actions without planning and the decision is made at the time of speaking.

Wait! I will accompany you home since it is quite dark outside.

3) With the verb be

We will be stronger and wiser in the future.

---

Form
will + infinitive 

---

Examples

Affirmative sentences:
He will call that client.
He'll call that client.Negative sentences:
He will not  call that client.
He won't call that client. or He'll not call that client. 

Questions:

Will he call that client?

Going to – Future

Use

1) Planned actions in the future

They are going to acquire a small company for diversification and expansion.

---

2) That something is certainly going to happen in the future.

Our company lacks liquidity and cannot pay our debts at all! We are going to be out of business soon.

---

Signal words

None but without signs or signals of ambuguity

---

Form

to be (am, are, is) + going to + infinitive

---

Examples

Affirmative sentences:

I am going to play cards. I'm going to play cards.

You are going to play cards. You're going to play cards.

Negative sentences:

I am not going to play cards. I'm not going to play cards.

You are not going to play cards. You're not going to play cards. You aren't going to play cards.

Questions:

Am I going to play cards?

Are you going to play cards?

ATTENTION!!

This is not the same as IS + V ing or Present Progressive/Continuous

going to-future	Present Progressive
He's going to read the book.	He's reading the book.

Present Progressive

For Future Use

1) Fixed plan or arrangement in the near future

He is giving a talk on Life After Death next Friday.

---

2) Actions occurring temporarily

She is working as a substitute teacher.

---

3) Trends

People are communicating through their smart devices more often than face-to-face.

---

4) Actions which are irritatingly repeated (with always, constantly, forever)

Ken is constantly coming by without letting us know in advance.

---

Form

to be (am, are, is) + infinitive + -ing

---

Examples

Affirmative sentences:

I am playing tennis. I'm playing tennis.

You are playing tennnis. You're playing tennis.

Negative sentences:

I am not playing tennis. I'm not playing tennis.

You are not playing tennis. You're not playing tennis. You aren't playing tennis.

Questions:

Am I playing tennis?

Are you playing tennis?