Simple Future (Will)

The simple future with “will” is used for predictions, promises, offers, and spontaneous decisions.

Formation

Affirmative

will + base verb

Contraction: I’ll, you’ll, he’ll, she’ll, it’ll, we’ll, they’ll

Examples:

• I will help you.
• She will arrive tomorrow.
• They**‘ll** be here soon.

Negative

will + not + base verb

Contraction: won’t

• I will not (won’t) forget.
• She won’t be late.
• They won’t agree.

Questions

Will + subject + base verb?

• Will you help me?
• Will she come?
• What will they do?

When to Use “Will”

1. Predictions (opinions about the future)

What we think or believe will happen:

• I think it will rain tomorrow.
• She will probably be late.
• They won’t win the match.
• In 50 years, robots will do most jobs.

Common expressions: I think, I believe, probably, definitely, maybe

2. Spontaneous Decisions

Decisions made at the moment of speaking:

• The phone is ringing. – I**‘ll get** it.
• I’m hungry. – I**‘ll make** you a sandwich.
• I don’t have cash. – No problem, I**‘ll pay** by card.

Not for planned decisions (use “going to” or present continuous)

3. Promises

• I will always love you.
• I won’t tell anyone. I promise.
• I**‘ll pay** you back next week.

4. Offers and Requests

Offers:

• I’ll carry that for you.
• I’ll help you with your homework.
• Shall I open the window?

Requests:

• Will you help me?
• Will you marry me?

5. Threats and Warnings

• If you don’t stop, I**‘ll call** the police!
• Be careful or you**‘ll hurt** yourself!

6. Facts About the Future

• The sun will rise at 6:30 tomorrow.
• She will be 30 next month.
• The meeting will start at 9.

Will vs. Going To

Examples:

Spontaneous vs. Planned:

• I’m thirsty. I**‘ll get** some water. (decides now)
• I**‘m going to buy** a new car next month. (already planned)

Opinion vs. Evidence:

• I think it will rain. (my opinion)
• Look at those clouds! It**‘s going to rain**. (I can see evidence)

Promise vs. Intention:

• I**‘ll help** you, I promise. (promise)
• I**‘m going to study** harder. (my intention)

Shall (British English)

In British English, “shall” can be used with I/we for:

Offers:

• Shall I open the window?
• Shall I make some tea?

Suggestions:

• Shall we go now?
• What shall we do tonight?

Future Time Clauses

In time clauses (when, after, before, until, as soon as), use present tense, NOT will:

Practice

Choose the correct option:

1. “The phone is ringing!” – “I ___ (get) it.” → I**‘ll get** it. (spontaneous decision)

2. “I think she ___ (be) angry.” → I think she will be angry. (prediction)

3. “I ___ (help) you, I promise.” → I will help you, I promise. (promise)

4. “When I ___ (arrive), I’ll call you.” → When I arrive, I’ll call you. (present in time clause)