When we discuss plans, expectations, predictions, and schedules, we frequently rely on the simple future tense. This tense is used to describe actions or states that will occur at a later time:
This year, Safiya plans to read forty books.
It might be difficult, but she is determined to accomplish it.
What Is the Simple Future Tense?
The simple future tense is formed using the auxiliary verb will followed by the base form of a verb. The formula for constructing sentences in this tense is:
will + [base form of verb]
Examples:
I will study a new language.
Safiya will complete that book.
My brothers will sleep in if no one wakes them up.
You will understand what I mean soon.
A distinctive feature of the simple future tense in English is that will remains unchanged regardless of the subject. Unlike some other languages where verb endings shift based on the subject, English verbs in the future tense do not require additional conjugation. The word will alone indicates that the action is set in the future, while the base verb remains unchanged.
How to Use the Simple Future Tense
Affirmative Sentences in the Simple Future
When we use the simple future tense in affirmative statements, we express intentions, predictions, expectations, or willingness to do something. It can also indicate scheduled events.
Examples:
The delivery is expected to arrive next Tuesday.
Frey will take the lead role in the upcoming play.
I will provide more details the next time we talk.
It is likely to rain soon.
Mei believes she will receive a response about the job application.
I will happily show you around when you arrive.
How to Form Negative Sentences in the Simple Future
To create a negative statement in the simple future, insert not after will:
will + not + [base form of verb]
Examples:
The package will not be delivered in time for the event.
I will not be able to finish the dishes before class starts.
Safiya will not give up until she achieves her goal.
Make sure you’re punctual tomorrow because the bus will not wait.
They will not share any details about their new friend.
How to Ask Questions in the Simple Future
To form questions in the simple future tense, place will at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the subject:
will + [subject] + [base form of verb]
Examples:
Will Safiya complete reading forty books by the end of the year?
Will I have enough time to wash the dishes?
What will Arif do with the money he received for his birthday?
Will you join me at the movies this weekend?
Using “Be Going To” for Future Actions
Another way to express future intentions or plans is by using be going to instead of will. The sentence structure is:
am/is/are + going to + [base form of verb]
Examples:
I am going to start learning a new language.
Safiya is going to finish that book soon.
My brothers are going to sleep until noon if nobody wakes them.
You are going to realize what I mean soon.
Both be going to and will indicate future actions, but be going to is often more conversational and informal. It is commonly used when the speaker wants to emphasize a decision being made in the present moment:
I am going to find more information about that job for you.
You will receive a call from the hiring manager tomorrow.
Making “Be Going To” Negative
To create a negative sentence using be going to, insert not after the verb be:
am/is/are + not + going to + [base form of verb]
Example:
Safiya is not going to stop until she reaches her goal.
Asking Questions with “Be Going To”
To form questions, place the verb be before the subject:
am/is/are + [subject] + going to + [base form of verb]
Example:
What is Arif going to do with the money he received for his birthday?
Comparing the Simple Future Tense with Other Future Forms
Using Present Tenses to Talk About the Future
In casual conversations, the simple present or present continuous is sometimes used to express future events when the timeframe is clearly implied:
My favorite TV show starts in 30 minutes. (Simple present)
Vera is having dinner with Xavier next week. (Present continuous)
The Future Continuous Tense
The future continuous tense consists of will be + present participle (verb + -ing). It describes an action that will be ongoing at a specific future time:
By the time you read this letter, I will be getting on my train.
After next week, the Kims will be settling into their new town.
By next July, they will be working on building their dream home.
The Future Perfect Tense
The future perfect tense is constructed using will have + past participle and is used for actions that will be completed before a particular moment in the future:
By next June, it will have been ten years since the tornado hit our neighborhood.
The train will have reached the Philadelphia station by five o’clock.
By the end of the tour, the band will have traveled over 3,000 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the simple future tense?
The simple future tense is used to describe events or actions that will happen at a later time. It is formed by using will plus the base form of a verb.
How do you construct the simple future tense?
The structure follows this formula: will + [base form of the verb].
Do verbs change based on the subject in the simple future tense?
No. The structure will + [base verb] remains the same for all subjects.
What are other ways to talk about future events?
Apart from the simple future tense, you can use be going to, the simple present, or the present continuous for informal future references. Additionally, English has more specific future tenses like the future continuous and future perfect to describe actions in progress or completed by a certain time.