When to use the simple future tense?
You need to use the simple future tense when describing events that take place in the future. When we speak about the future, it does not specifically refer to (next month, next year, or even next week)! It can refer to the next second or minute!
How to use the Simple Future Tense?
You need to look at the meaning of the sentence. Let’s look at the differences between (Going to and Will). If it is about something you really want to do regardless of what happens, use (going to). But, use (will) if you want to:
- do something but are not sure (willingness).
I will finish the work by this evening. – It means you have the willingness to finish the work this evening but are not sure if that is possible; maybe something comes up and you need to postpone the finishing to another day. So, with the use of (will), it shows the tendency and willingness.
2. promise to help others
I will help you with the project. – When promising to help others, you need to use (will).
3. Decide to do something at the moment of speaking.
It is raining! I will close the window. – You decided to close the window due to the rain and this is something happen at the moment of speaking without any plans!
4. Requesting for something.
Will you please pass me the file? – You request someone to bring the file to you.
So, this is how you can use (will & going to) when speaking about future events. One more thing to remember, the verb after (going to & will) should be in base form condition! Meaning that, no changes should be made to the verb.
If you are still not sure about the use of (will & going to), let’s have a look at some simple future tense examples to understand the simple future tense rules better:
I will help you with the project – (offer help)
I am going to the supermarket this evening (For sure! and it is happening regardless of whatever might happen)
I will try to finish my work soon – (promise)
It is cold! I will wear a jacket. (doing something at the moment of speaking)
How to form questions using the simple future tense?
With the use of (will):
You need to start the question with (will): It will be like this 👉 will + subject + verb + object
With the use of (going to):
You need to start the question with (To Be verbs): It will be like this 👉 (be + subject + going to + verb + object)
Let’s have a look at the following simple future tense questions to learn more about the idea:
Will you help me with the project?
Will they finish the meeting on time?
Is he going to play football this evening?
Is she going to travel this summer?
How to form negative simple future tense sentences?
You need to add (not) after the use of (will) and before the use of (going to). Let’s have a look at the following examples:
will: I will not go to the mall this evening
going to: I am not going to the mall this evening
*You may use (will not) or (won’t).
I hope you find this English grammar lesson useful, let me know if you have any questions related to the use of the simple future tense or if you have any suggestions for the upcoming topics. Yesterday, I explained more English grammar topics here so feel free to check it 🙂 Also, if you need a private discussion or lessons, email me 🙂
Have a great day & take care!
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