This post will help you quickly revise the usage of future forms (up to Advanced/Proficient Level).
WILL
- When talking about a plan/future action at the moment of speaking:
Example: The music is too loud. I will turn it down if you don’t mind.
- Used when making promises :
Example: I promise you I will always love you.
I will buy you a diamond ring for our anniversary.
GOING TO
- Used to talk about plans that we have made before the moment of speaking
Example:
I have decided that I am going to do some exercise every day.
- Used when talking about future events that are based on present evidence
Example: Look at the sky. It is going to snow.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS FORM
- Used to talk about plans that are arranged in detail (we know the time and place). Very often, more than one person is involved in the arrangements of the plan
Example: We are visiting our grandparents this weekend.
I am seeing my doctor tomorrow at 5 pm.
PRESENT SIMPLE
- Used to talk about schedules and timetables
Example:
The bus to Vienna leaves at 7.00 am every day.
The talk show starts at 6.00 pm on every Sunday.
BE+INFINITIVE
- Formal: used in rules and to talk about official plans. Often used in news reports
Example:
The Queen of England is to meet with the prime minister next week.
All passengers are to validate their tickets immediately after entering the vehicle.
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
- used when the focus is on the progress of the action/event at a specific time in the future
Example:
This time tomorrow I’ll be playing football with my friends.
This time next week, she will be sipping cold cocktails in Cuba.
FUTURE PERFECT
- Used when we are looking forward to a point in the future, and then we look back from that point
Example:
By the end of spring, she’ll have finished her studies
Thanks for reading, I hope you have found this article helpful.