Talking about the future — forms & functions
B2 • reference
1) Plans, intentions & arrangements
| Form | Use | Pattern & example |
|---|---|---|
| will (instant decision) | Decision at the moment of speaking; offers/promises. | S + will + base We’re out of milk — I’ll buy some. |
| be going to (intention) | Plan or intention already in mind; arrangements may be incomplete. | be + going to + base I’m going to start yoga this month. |
| present continuous | Fixed arrangement (time/place agreed). | be + V-ing I’m meeting the dentist at 6. |
| future continuous | Polite questions about plans; action in progress at a future time. | will be + V-ing Will you be staying long? |
| present simple | Timetables/schedules. | S + V(s/es) The train leaves at 07:42. |
Choosing: be going to highlights intention; present continuous highlights a fixed arrangement; will is for decisions made now.
2) Predictions
- will = personal opinion/belief. I think she’ll win.
- be going to = present evidence. Look at those clouds — it’s going to rain.
- future continuous = neutral expectation about a routine. He’ll be working late again tonight.
Word order: put adverbs like probably/definitely before the main verb but after be or the first auxiliary: They will probably win / They are definitely coming.
3) Future perfect simple
Completed by a future point; also duration with stative verbs.
- will have + past participle
- By June, I’ll have finished the report.
- In two years, we will have been married for 20 years.
Time markers: by, by the time, before, in ten years’ time, this time next…
4) Future perfect continuous
Duration of an ongoing activity up to a future time (dynamic verbs).
- will have been + V-ing
- By December, she’ll have been studying here for five years.
Prefer the simple form with stative verbs: By noon I’ll have known the result (not will have been knowing).
5) Future time clauses
| Connector | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| when / as soon as / before / after / until / once / by the time | Use present forms in the time clause (no will), future in the main clause. | I’ll call you when I arrive. We won’t start until everyone is here. |
6) Other future-looking expressions
| Expression | Meaning & example |
|---|---|
| be about to + base | Very near future. Hurry — the film is about to start. |
| be due to + base | Scheduled/expected. The flight is due to land at 14:05. |
| be to + base | Formal plans/instructions. Delegates are to register on arrival. |
| be likely/unlikely to + base | Probability. She’s likely to change jobs this year. |
7) Typical functions of will
- Offers: I’ll carry that for you. / Shall I…?
- Promises/refusals: I’ll always support you. / I won’t share your data.
- Requests: Will you open the window?
- Future facts/announcements: The conference will take place in May.
8) Common contrasts & pitfalls
- No will after time words: When I get home, I’ll text you (not when I will get).
- Present continuous vs. going to: arrangement (I’m having lunch with Sam) vs intention (I’m going to have lunch).
- Future continuous vs. present continuous: both can express arrangements; the future continuous sounds more neutral/polite: Will you be joining us?
- State verbs: avoid continuous: I’ll know by Friday (not will be knowing).
Exercises:
Talking about the future: forms and functions
Choose the correct or most appropriate future forms to complete the sentences below.
1
I forgot to tell Anna the news —
now.
2
I’ve already bought the paint — I
the kitchen this weekend.
3
We
the CFO at 10:30 on Wednesday.
4
Flight BA874
at 09:05 tomorrow.
5
Look at those clouds — it
soon.
6
Please don’t call at 8; I
dinner then.
7
By 2030, the company
its emissions by half.
8
Hurry up! The film
— we’ll miss the opening.
9
They’re two goals ahead; they
win unless something changes.
10
The new law
take effect on 1 July.
Talking about the future: forms and functions
Choose the correct or most appropriate option/s for the sentences below.
Instruction: Choose the correct or most appropriate option/s for each sentence. Some items have one correct answer; others have more than one.
1
Look at those dark clouds — it ____ any minute. prediction based on evidence
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
I ____ my dentist at 3 p.m. tomorrow. The appointment is confirmed. arrangement
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
The 6:45 to Oxford ____ from platform 2. timetable
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
We’re out of paper — I ____ some during lunch. decision now
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
This time tomorrow, we ____ over the Alps. future continuous
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
By June, I ____ the external audit. future perfect
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
____ you be using the projector at 3? If not, can I book it? polite enquiry
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
The delegation ____ the site on Friday, subject to final approval. be + to-inf (formal plan)
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
The beta version is ____ to go public in Q2, but dates may slip. expectation (semi-formal)
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
We ____ the results next week — the lab has already booked our slot. arrangement / prior plan
A.
B.
C.
D.
Talking about the future: forms and functions
Fill in the gaps using the verbs in brackets in the most suitable future form. Do NOT use short forms.
1
The phone is ringing — I (answer) it.
2
I (start) a blog this weekend; I have already chosen a name.
3
We (meet) the new supplier at 10:00 tomorrow.
4
The train (depart) at 06:45 on weekdays.
5
Look at those clouds — it (rain) within an hour.
6
This time next week, I (fly) to Tokyo.
7
By 2030, scientists (develop) better batteries.
8
By noon, she (work) for six hours without a break.
9
Hurry up — the bus (leave) any minute.
10
Call me when you (arrive).