There are many ways to talk about the future. They depend on the type of event: a pre-decided plan, a sudden decision, a fixed event, an arrangement, and so on.
1. going to
a. ‘Going to’ is used to talk about plans already decided before we speak.
I’m going to watch that new drama on TV this evening. It starts at 9pm.
She’s going to go shopping on Saturday. She said she wants to buy a new jacket.
I’m going to take the dog for a walk. Do you want to come?
b. ‘Going to’ is also used when we predict, or guess, the future. We often use ‘going to’ if there is some evidence for our prediction.
Look at those black clouds! It’s going to rain soon.
Based on exit polls for the election, Ms. Jones is going to win the seat for Miami.
Look at him! He’s so drunk. He’s going to fall over in a minute.
2. Present continuous
a. The present continuous is often used when we have an arrangement – the date, time and place are already arranged with someone. We might write this on our calendar.
I’m meeting Yuriko for lunch on Saturday. We’re meeting at the station at noon.
We’re having a BBQ next Sunday. Can you come?
I’m seeing the doctor at 8:30 on Monday morning so I’ll be late for work.
b. The present continuous is often used to ask about near-future plans when we think the person has already made arrangements.
Are you going anywhere this weekend?
What are you doing tonight?
3. Will
‘Will’ is used in many ways to talk about the future.
a. ‘Will’ for spontaneous plans decided at the moment of speaking.
You’re hungry? I’ll make you a sandwich.
My plans for this evening? Nothing… maybe I’ll read that book I bought last month.
Oh, we’ve run out of eggs. I’ll buy some when I go to the supermarket.
b. ‘Will’ for predicting the future, usually based on opinion or pure guessing.
I don’t think people will live on the moon for at least 100 years.
I think he’ll win the race. He looks cool.
c. ‘Will’ for willingness. This includes promises, and may be a spontaneous decision.
I’ll pick you up at the station. I promise I won’t be late.
Will you marry me?
Of course I’ll help you. What should I do?
d. ‘Will’ for future facts, including personal ‘facts’.
The president will talk to the press in 20 minutes.
There will be a solar eclipse on October the 23rd.
I will retire before I’m 60.
4. Present Simple
The present simple is often used for timetabled, scheduled events in the future.
The movie starts in 20 minutes. Hurry up!
The last shinkansen arrives in Fukuoka at 23:30.
Our class ends at 3:30.
5. Other verbs for the future
There are many other verbs that can be used to refer to future time:
a. may, might, should etc.
I might go shopping on Sunday. I may buy a new phone.
The train should arrive soon.
b. expect to, plan to, want to, hope to etc.
I expect to finish work by 6pm. I want to get home in time for dinner at 7pm.
He plans to visit the Louvre when he is in Paris. He also hopes to go to Versailles.
6. Future continuous
The future continuous (will/won’t be + –ing form) is used to talk about future actions that:
a. will be in progress at a specific time in the future:
I can’t meet you on Friday because I’ll be working in Tokyo all day.
We won’t be coming to the party. Sorry. We’ll be hiking in the Japanese Alps.
b. for something new or temporary:
I’ll be coming by bicycle next week because my car is in for a service.
He’ll be staying with his sister while his house is being painted.
c. For things that happen, as usual, at that time.
Please don’t phone me then. I’ll be watching my favourite drama on TV.
You can send it to the office on Saturday. I’ll be working, as usual.
7. Future perfect
a. The future perfect simple (will/won’t have + past participle) is used to talk about something that will be completed before a specific time in the future, or for something that will still be in progress.
Don’t worry. I’ll have finished the report before lunchtime.
Will you have eaten dinner by the time I get back?
She’ll have been married for 10 years in December.
b. The future perfect continuous (will/won’t have been + ..ing) is used to emphasize things that will have been in progress for a period of time at a specific time in the future:
I’ll have been living here for 10 years in July.
By 8pm she’ll have been working for 18 hours without a break! That’s amazing!
Practice:
