The simple future tense is more than just a grammar rule—it’s how we make promises, set goals, and predict what’s next. Mastering this tense is essential for planning a vacation or guessing tomorrow’s weather.
This guide will go beyond the basics to help you sound more natural yet confident in English.
Understanding Simple Future Tense Rules: More Than Just ‘Will’
The future tense is a way to talk about actions or events that will happen at a later time. In English, two main ways to express the future are using “will” and “be going to.”
While both indicate future actions, they have different uses depending on the context. Check the table below about will vs. going to.
|
Feature |
Will |
Going To |
|
Spontaneous decisions |
V |
X |
|
Planned actions |
X |
V |
|
Promises and commitments |
V |
X |
|
Predictions based on opinion |
V |
X |
|
Evidence-based predictions |
X |
V |
1. “Will” + Base Verb
Here’s how to use “will” in sentences.
- Dad will take out the trash. – Spontaneous decision.
- Diana will finish the report, I promise. – Promise.
- I guess the market will be crowded today. – Prediction based on opinion.
- Someday, robots will do most household chores. – Future fact.
2. “Be Going To” + Base Verb
Meanwhile, this is how you use this term in sentences:
- We are going to eat durian while visiting grandma this weekend. – Planned action.
- It’s going to rain soon. Look at those dark clouds! – Evidence-based prediction.
- John is going to start his art project tomorrow. – Intention.
Understanding each form allows you to sound more natural. On the other hand, this helps you express ideas more clearly, which is essential in English.
The Simple Future Tense in Real Conversation
This future structure is beyond English grammar tenses. However, while you can use this tense as part of daily communication, how it’s used can vary depending on the context and formality.
In informal conversations, native speakers often contract “will” into “’ll” and “will not” into “won’t” to sound more natural. For example:
- “I’ll wait for you outside.” (instead of “I will wait you outside.”)
- “Diana won’t come to this meeting.” (instead of “Diana will not come to this meeting.”)
Meanwhile, people tend to use the full form in formal settings. Sometimes, they also add polite expressions. For example:
- “The team will submit the assignment by Friday.”
- “We will be happy to assist you with your request.”
Interactive Practice: Engaging Exercises for Mastery
Practicing tenses is the best way to master them, especially if you’re learning grammar for beginners. These fun exercises will help you use this future tense naturally.
1. Complete the sentences using “will” or “going to” in the correct form.
- Look at those dark clouds! It ___ (rain) soon.
- I forgot to bring my wallet. Don’t worry, I ___ (pay) for you.
- Henrietta ___ (launch) a new novel three months from now.
- I think you ___ (enjoy) the concert tonight.
2. Identify and correct the errors in these sentences.
- I will to visit my grandmother this weekend.
- John going to run routinely after office hours.
- Your friends will not comes to the party.
3. Write a short letter to yourself five years from now. Use the simple future tense to describe your dreams, goals, and predictions.
Example:
“Dear Future Me, I hope you will be happy and successful. You will travel the world and achieve your dreams!”
Final Thoughts
Mastering the predictions in English starts with practice! Try making daily predictions—guess tomorrow’s weather or your next meal. The more you use this tense, the more natural it will feel.
But why stop there? Learning English is always more fun with the right guidance. At Fun English Course, we offer interactive classes for beginners, professionals, and those who need test preparation. Also, join our conversation classes to hone your speaking skill.
Sign up today—start mastering the simple future tense with us!