The future simple tense, also known as the simple future tense, is a verb tense used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future.
It is used to express predictions, plans, intentions, or statements about future occurrences.
In English, the future simple tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” followed by the base form of the main verb.
Here are a few examples of sentences in the future simple tense:
1. I will go to the store tomorrow.
2. She will study for her exams next week.
3. They will meet us at the restaurant later.
4. He will call you as soon as he arrives.
5. We will travel to Europe next summer.
In these sentences, the auxiliary verb “will” is used to indicate that the action described by the main verb will take place in the future.
It’s important to note that the future simple tense is also often used with other words or phrases to express certainty, possibility, or intention, such as “probably,” “might,” or “definitely.”
STRUCTURE OR FORMULA
The future simple tense, also known as the simple future tense, follows a specific formula or structure in English.
It is formed using the auxiliary verb “will” or “shall” (in some cases) followed by the base form of the main verb.
The basic structure of the future simple tense is as follows:
Subject + will/shall + base form of the verb
Here are a few examples of the structure in action:
1. I will go to the party.
2. She will study for her exam.
3. They will arrive tomorrow.
4. He will buy a new car.
5. We shall overcome this challenge.
In these examples, the subject is followed by the auxiliary verb “will” or “shall” (used interchangeably) and then the base form of the main verb.
The base form of the verb does not change regardless of the subject.
It’s worth noting that “shall” is less commonly used in modern English, except in certain cases such as formal or legal contexts or to indicate a suggestion or offer.
In most everyday situations, “will” is the more common choice for forming the future simple tense.
Let’s break down the structure of the future simple tense with positive, negative, and interrogative forms:
1. Positive Form:
Subject + will/shall + base form of the verb
Examples:
– Positive: I will go to the party.
– Positive: She will study for her exam.
– Positive: They will arrive tomorrow.
2. Negative Form:
Subject + will not/shall not + base form of the verb (or contraction: won’t/shan’t)
Examples:
– Negative: I will not go to the party. (or I won’t go to the party.)
– Negative: She will not study for her exam. (or She won’t study for her exam.)
– Negative: They will not arrive tomorrow. (or They won’t arrive tomorrow.)
3. Interrogative Form:
Will/Shall + subject + base form of the verb?
Examples:
– Interrogative: Will I go to the party?
– Interrogative: Will she study for her exam?
– Interrogative: Will they arrive tomorrow?
Please note that “shall” is less commonly used in everyday conversation, so “will” is generally preferred in most cases.
However, “shall” can be used with “I” and “we” to suggest an offer, proposal, or intention.
For example: “Shall we go for a walk?”
RULES
Here are some key rules to keep in mind when using the future simple tense:
1. Formation:
The future simple tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” (or “shall” in some cases) followed by the base form of the main verb.
For example: “She will sing.”
2. Subject-Verb Agreement:
The verb remains in its base form (infinitive) and does not change based on the subject.
Whether the subject is singular or plural, the verb form remains the same.
For example: “He will travel” and “They will travel.”
3. Negative Form:
To form the negative form of the future simple tense, use the auxiliary verb “will” + “not” or the contraction “won’t” (will not) before the base form of the main verb.
For example: “I will not come” or “She won’t dance.”
4. Interrogative Form:
To form a question in the future simple tense, invert the subject and the auxiliary verb “will.”
Place the auxiliary verb “will” at the beginning of the sentence.
For example: “Will you join us?” or “Will they arrive on time?”
5. Time Expressions:
You can use time expressions or adverbs to specify when the action will occur in the future.
For example: “Tomorrow, he will start a new job” or “Next week, we will have a meeting.”
6. Certainty or Likelihood:
The future simple tense is often used to express predictions, plans, intentions, or statements about future occurrences.
However, keep in mind that it does not indicate certainty.
To express certainty or probability, you may need to use modal verbs like “may,” “might,” or “probably” in combination with the future simple tense.
For example: “She will probably come tomorrow.”
Remember, the future simple tense is just one way to express future actions in English.
There are other verb forms and constructions that can be used to convey similar meanings, such as the present continuous tense or the “going to” future.
The choice of the tense depends on the specific context and the speaker’s intention.
HOW TO EXPLAIN FUTURE SIMPLE TO STUDENTS
When explaining the future simple tense to students, it’s helpful to break it down into simple steps and provide examples.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to explain the future simple tense:
1. Introduce the concept:
Start by explaining that the future simple tense is used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future.
Emphasize that it’s used for predictions, plans, intentions, or statements about future occurrences.
2. Formation:
Explain that the future simple tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” (or “shall”) followed by the base form of the main verb.
Provide examples to illustrate this structure:
Positive: Subject + will + base form of the verb
– Example: “I will go to the park.”
Negative: Subject + will not (won’t) + base form of the verb
– Example: “She will not (won’t) eat ice cream.”
Interrogative: Will + subject + base form of the verb?
– Example: “Will they watch a movie?”
3. Subject-Verb Agreement:
Explain that the verb in the future simple tense remains in its base form and does not change based on the subject. Give examples to reinforce this concept:
– “He will dance.” (singular subject)
– “They will dance.” (plural subject)
4. Time Expressions:
Discuss how time expressions or adverbs can be used to indicate when the action will occur in the future.
Examples include “tomorrow,” “next week,” “in a month,” etc. Show how time expressions can be combined with the future simple tense:
– “I will visit my grandparents next weekend.”
– “She will finish her homework tomorrow.”
5. Practice Exercises:
Provide students with exercises to practice using the future simple tense.
Ask them to create positive, negative, and interrogative sentences using different subjects and verbs.
You can also give them prompts or situations where they have to write sentences in the future simple tense.
6. Real-life Examples:
Share real-life examples or scenarios where the future simple tense is commonly used.
For instance, talking about future plans, making predictions about the weather, or discussing upcoming events.
7. Encourage Usage:
Encourage students to use the future simple tense in their daily conversations and written assignments.
Provide opportunities for them to practice using it naturally.
Remember to offer plenty of examples, encourage questions, and provide additional support as needed.
Using visual aids, such as charts or diagrams, can also be helpful in illustrating the structure and usage of the future simple tense.
Exercise:
Future Simple Tense
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the appropriate form of the verb in the future simple tense. Choose the correct verb from the options provided. Write your answers below each sentence.
1. I __________ (visit / visits / will visit) my friend tomorrow.
2. She __________ (cook / cooks / will cook) dinner for us tonight.
3. They __________ (go / goes / will go) on a trip next month.
4. We __________ (watch / watches / will watch) a movie this weekend.
5. He __________ (study / studies / will study) for his exam tomorrow.
6. The cat __________ (sleep / sleeps / will sleep) on the couch.
7. The team __________ (win / wins / will win) the championship next week.
8. My parents __________ (travel / travels / will travel) to Europe next year.
9. We __________ (have / has / will have) a party on Saturday.
10
. She __________ (play / plays / will play) the piano at the concert.
Answers:
1. will visit
2. will cook
3. will go
4. will watch
5. will study
6. will sleep
7. will win
8. will travel
9. will have
10. will play
Learn more Tenses
- Simple present tense
- Simple past tense
- Present progressive tense
- Past progressive tense
- Future progressive tense
- Present perfect tense
- Past perfect tense
- Future perfect tense
- Present perfect continuous tense
- Past perfect continuous tense
- Future perfect continuous tense
- Tenses in English grammar
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