The Simple Future Tense

Introduction:

The simple future tense is a versatile tool in English grammar, allowing speakers and writers to express a variety of future-oriented ideas.

This guide will explore the form and use of the simple future tense, providing clear examples to enhance understanding.

Forms of the Simple Future:

The simple future tense is constructed using the modal auxiliary “will” or its contraction “‘ll” combined with the base form of a verb.

Subject + Will + Verb (Without ‘To’)

Examples:

• She will be fine.
• I will call her as soon as possible.
• They’ll come to the party.

Affirmative Forms

The affirmative form is created by placing “will” or “‘ll” before the verb.

I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will / “ll	go.

Examples:

1. I think I’ll buy a new computer.
2. I will open the door. Someone is ringing the bell.
3. We’ll invite everybody.
4. He’ll marry her.
5. You’ll be held accountable.

Interrogative Forms

To form questions in the simple future tense, invert the subject and the modal auxiliary “will”.

Will

you, he, she, it, we, they

go?

Examples:

1. Will you buy a computer?
2. Will you go to the party?

Negative Forms

The negative form of the simple future is formed by adding “not” after “will” or using the contraction “won’t.”

I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will not	go.
	won’t

will not = won’t

Examples:

1. I will not stay at home if I finish the homework.
2. I won’t visit Big Ben if I go to London.

Use of the Simple Future:

1. Instant Decisions: The simple future tense is employed for making instant decisions.
   • Example: “I’ve left the door open; I’ll close it.”
2. Predicting Future Situations: Use the simple future when predicting future situations based on current evidence.
   • Example: “She’ll pass the exam. She’s hardworking.”
3. Expressing Opinions and Speculations: The simple future is used with expressions such as “I (don’t) think,” “I expect,” “I’m sure,” “I wonder,” and “probably.”
   • Examples:
     • “It will probably rain tonight.”
     • “I wonder what will happen?”
4. Expressing a promise: In addition to its various functions, the simple future tense is commonly used to convey promises. This use emphasizes a commitment or assurance regarding a future action or event.
   • Examples:
     • I promise I will always support you.
     • She will complete the project by the deadline, as she has promised.
     • We will never forget the kindness you’ve shown us.
5. Conditional Sentences Type One: The simple future is employed in conditional sentences type one, expressing a real or likely condition.
   • Example: “If I have enough time, I’ll watch the film.”

Things to Remember:

1. Future Plans and Decisions: Avoid using the simple future to discuss predetermined plans or arrangements. Instead, opt for the present continuous or “going to + verb.”
   • Incorrect: “Ann will travel next week.”
   • Correct: “Ann is traveling to New York next week.”
2. Shall Usage: “Shall” can be used interchangeably with “will” for the first person singular and plural.Example: “I shall play football.” (Or, “I will play…”)
   • Example: “We shall play football.” (Or, “We will play…”)
3. Contractions: “I’ll” is the contracted form of “I will,” and “won’t” is the contracted form of “will not.”
   • Examples:
     • “I’ll go.”
     • “I won’t go.”

Below is a table illustrating the simple future tense in affirmative, interrogative, and negative forms:

Person/Subject	Affirmative	Interrogative	Negative
I	I will go.	Will I go?	I will not go. / I won’t go.
You	You will go.	Will you go?	You will not go. / You won’t go.
He/She/It	He/She/It will go.	Will he/she/it go?	He/She/It will not go. / He/She/It won’t go.
We	We will go.	Will we go?	We will not go. / We won’t go.
They	They will go.	Will they go?	They will not go. / They won’t go.

Note: The contraction “won’t” is the shortened form of “will not.”

Conclusion:

Mastering the simple future tense enhances your ability to articulate future events and possibilities with precision and clarity. Practice using this tense in various contexts to become a more confident communicator in English.

Related Pages:

• Exercises on the simple future.