Future
image

Present simple

We use the present simple for something scheduled:


image

We have a lesson next Monday.

The train arrives at 6.30 in the morning.

The holidays start next week.

It's my birthday tomorrow.

Present continuous

We can use the present continuous for plans or arrangements:


image

I'm playing football tomorrow.

They are coming to see us tomorrow.

We're having a party at Christmas.

will:

When we express beliefs about the future:

It will be a nice day tomorrow.

I think Brazil will win the World Cup.

I'm sure you will enjoy the film.

To mean want to or be willing to:

I hope you will come to my party.
George says he will help us.

To make offers and promises :

I'll see you tomorrow.
We'll send you an email.

to talk about offers and promises:

Tim will be at the meeting.
Mary will help with the cooking.

We use be going to:
to talk about plans or intentions:

I'm going to drive to work today.
They are going to move to Manchester.

Will be with an -ing form

We use will be with an -ing form for something happening before and after a specific time in the future:

I'll be working at eight o'clock. Can you come later?
They'll be waiting for you when you arrive.

Verbs like would like, plan, want, mean, hope, expect

We often use verbs like would like, plan, want, mean, hope, expect to talk about the future:


What are you going to do next year? I'd like to go to university.

We plan to go to France for our holidays.

George wants to buy a new car.

Modals may, might and could

We use modals may, might and could when we are not sure about the future:


image

I might stay at home tonight or I might go to the cinema.
We could see Mary at the meeting. She sometimes goes.