27 - FUTURE TENSES: RULES - VIDEO AND PRACTICE TESTS

FUTURE

In English, the future tense is different from Italian. The “future” form depends on what the action or state is at the time of speaking. (For example, is it programmed? Is it an intention? Is it an idea you have? Is it on a timetable?)

Present Simple	Present Continuous	Be going to	Will
-habitual action I visit my grandmother every weekend. -future: timetable (orario stabilito) The bus to my grandmother leaves on Saturday at 8 in the morning. Naples plays against Juve this Saturday afternoon.	-action happening at the moment. I’m going to school now. -programmed future I’m visiting my grandmother this weekend. (My grandmother knows. I called and made plans with her.)	-future intention I’m going to visit my grandmother this weekend. (I want to go but I did not call my grandmother.) -something evident is going to happen Look at those black clouds! It's going to rain. She's got a big belly. She's going to have a baby.	-predictions In 2030 cars will fly. -promises I’ll call you this weekend. -decision made the moment speaking (At a restaurant) I’ll have the hamburger and chips. What are you doing this weekend? I don’t know. I think I will go to the cinema.  I might go to the cinema. I will probably go to the cinema.   -personal ideas in the future I (don’t) think I’m (not) sure I’m (not) certain I don’t think I will go to the cinema this weekend.

may/might – probability

I may/might go to the cinema this weekend.

probably  /  definitely – use only with “will”  (before the main verb)

I will probably go to the cinema on Saturday. (personal)

I will definitely go to the cinema on Saturday. (personal)

Perhaps / Maybe (Forse) – use only with “will” (at the beginning of the sentence)

Perhaps I will go to the cinema on Saturday.

Maybe I will go to the cinema on Saturday.

Tomorrow I’m leaving for London. My plane leaves at 7 in the morning.

Present Continuous because my future action is programmed. Present simple because the plane has a timetable.

NOTE: Do not confuse “may” with its formal form in asking for permission.

Informal:  Can I go to the toilet, please?  Can I go to the vending machine, please? Can I leave the room, please?

Semi-formal: Could I go to the toilet, please?  Could I go to the vending machine, please? Could I leave the room, please?

Formal: May I go to the toilet, please?  May I go to the vending machine, please? May I leave the room, please?

WATCH VIDEOS to HELP YOU:

TEST YOUR ENGLISH:

WILL vs. BE GOING TO - 1

WILL vs. BE GOING TO - 2

WILL, BE GOING TO or PRESENT CONTINUOUS -  1
 
WILL, BE GOING TO or PRESENT CONTINUOUS - 2