In this blog post, you will learn about the Simple Future Tense in English, including its rules and structure. This tense helps describe actions or events that will happen in the future. Understanding how the simple future tense works will enhance your grammar skills and improve your ability to communicate in English.
What is the Simple Future Tense?
This verb tense is about planning things to do in the future. For example, what will you do tomorrow or next week?
Instead of using “will,” you can use “going to” for future tense. But this lesson uses “will” for the future tense.
Simple Future Tense Examples:
- I, You, We, They, He, She, It: will travel to France tomorrow.
Lean more: 12 Verb Tenses in English
Structure of Simple Future Tense
The formula for the future is simple: will + V (base form).
Structure for Positive Sentences:
- S + will + V (basic form) + object
Examples of positive sentences in simple future tense:
- I will go to Thailand.
- She will complete her homework before dinner.
- They will go on a trip to Europe next summer.
- He will finish his project by the end of the week.
- We will have a picnic in the park tomorrow.
- The company will launch its new product next month.
- Learn more: Positive Sentences in English
Structure for Negative Sentences:
- S + will not/won’t + V (basic form) + object
Examples of negative sentences in simple future tense:
- I will not go to Thailand.
- She will not attend the meeting tomorrow.
- They will not travel to Japan next year.
- He will not buy a new car next month.
- We will not forget to bring our passports on the trip.
- The concert will not be canceled due to bad weather.
- Learn more: Examples of Negative Sentences
Structure for Question forms:
- Will + S + V (base form) +…?
Examples of interrogative sentences in simple future tense:
- Will you go to Thailand?
- Will she attend the meeting tomorrow?
- Will they travel to Japan next year?
- Will he buy a new car next month?
- Will we remember to bring our passports on the trip?
- Will the concert be canceled due to bad weather?
- Learn more: Interrogative Sentences in English
How to Use the Simple Future Tense
Learn how and when to use the future simple tense in English with helpful grammar rules and example sentences.
The future simple tense is used:
1. For Actions Decided at the moment of Speech
Examples:
- I have a toothache. I‘ll take some medicine.
- I will call the restaurant to make a reservation right now.
- She will book the flight as soon as she finishes packing.
- They will decide on the movie to watch once everyone arrives.
- He will buy the tickets for the concert before they sell out.
- We will order pizza for dinner tonight.
2. For Unplanned Future Actions
Examples:
- Winter will come soon.
- I will help you with your project if you need assistance.
- She will visit her grandmother if she feels better tomorrow.
- They will explore the city if the weather clears up.
- He will call his friend if he gets some free time this evening.
- We will go for a hike if we find a suitable trail nearby.
3. Offering, Asking for a Request Promising, Ordering, and Threatening
Example:
- I’m afraid we will get wet.
- Offering: I will help you carry those bags.
- Asking for a request: Will you please pass me the salt?
- Promising: I will always support you, no matter what.
- Ordering: You will complete this task by the end of the day.
- Threatening: If you don’t finish your homework, you will be grounded.
4. For Unpreventable Actions in Future
Examples:
- Summer will come soon.
- The sun will rise tomorrow morning.
- Eventually, winter will come and bring snow to the mountains.
- Time will heal your wounds.
- The tide will continue to ebb and flow with the moon’s cycle.
- Inevitably, the seasons will change as the year progresses.
5. With Conditional, Time, and Purpose Clauses
Examples:
- When I arrive home, I will call you.
- Conditional clause: If it rains, we will stay indoors.
- Time clause: After she finishes her chores, she will join us for dinner.
- Purpose clause: She will study hard so that she can pass her exams.
- Conditional clause: Unless he apologizes, she will not forgive him.
- Time clause: When the clock strikes midnight, the party will end.
6. For Thoughts, Predictions, Assumptions, Sureness, and Fears about Future
Examples:
- I promise, I won’t tell anyone.
- Thought: I think she will arrive at the airport by 2 PM.
- Prediction: He predicts that the stock market will rebound next week.
- Assumption: We assume they will be late, as usual.
- Sureness: I am sure we will win the game with our strong team.
- Fear: They fear the storm will cause extensive damage to their property.
Read more about: Future Continuous Tense in English
Adverb Placement in Simple Future Tense
In the simple future tense, adverbs can generally be placed before the main verb or after the auxiliary verb “will.” Here are five example sentences for each placement:
Adverb before the main verb:
-
- She will quickly finish her homework before dinner.
- They will eagerly go on a trip to Europe next summer.
- He will confidently finish his project by the end of the week.
- We will happily have a picnic in the park tomorrow.
- The company will carefully launch its new product next month.
Adverb after the auxiliary verb “will”:
-
- She will finish her homework quickly before dinner.
- They will go on a trip to Europe eagerly next summer.
- He will finish his project confidently by the end of the week.
- We will have a picnic in the park tomorrow.
- The company will launch its new product carefully next month.
Simple Future Tense Chart
FAQs about Simple Future Tense Chart
1. What is the simple future tense?
The simple future tense describes actions that will happen in the future. It uses “will” or “shall” followed by the base form of the verb.
2. How do you form the simple future tense?
To form the simple future tense, use “will” or “shall” followed by the base form of the verb. Example: “She will go to the store tomorrow.”
3. When do we use the simple future tense?
We use the simple future tense for actions or events that will happen in the future. Example: “They will travel to Spain next year.”
4. What are examples of simple future tense sentences?
Examples: “I will call you later.” “We will meet at the park tomorrow.”
5. Can the simple future tense be used for predictions?
Yes, the simple future tense is often used to make predictions about what will happen. Example: “It will rain tomorrow.”
6. What is the difference between simple future and present continuous for future?
The simple future describes general future actions, while the present continuous is used for plans or arrangements. Example: “I will visit” vs. “I am visiting.”
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