CHAPTER 26: THE FUTURE
Welcome to Chapter 26! Talking about the future in English isn't just about using the word "will." We actually use several different forms depending on whether we are predicting something, making a quick decision, talking about a schedule, or discussing a firm plan. In this chapter, we will explore the different ways to talk about future events clearly and accurately.
1. The Simple Future Tense (Will / Shall)
Explanation: The Simple Future Tense is the most basic way to talk about the future. We use it for things we cannot control (future facts), predictions based on what we think, and instant decisions made at the exact moment of speaking.
Important Rules & Uses:
- Future as a Fact: For things that will happen no matter what we do.
- I shall be twenty next Saturday. (Original Example)
- It will be Diwali in a week. (Original Example)
- We will know our exam results in May. (Original Example)
- Predictions and Beliefs: For what we think will happen. Often used with phrases like I think, I'm sure, I expect, I believe, Probably.
- I think Pakistan will win the match. (Original Example)
- I'm sure Helen will get a first class. (Original Example)
- It will probably rain tomorrow. (New Example)
- Instant Decisions: When we decide to do something right at the time of speaking (not planned before).
- It is raining. I will take an umbrella. (Original Example)
- "Mr. Sinha is very busy at the moment." - "All right. I'll wait." (Original Example)
Common Mistakes & Tips:
Mistake: Using the Simple Future for plans you made yesterday.
(e.g., "I will go to the dentist tomorrow" when you already have an
appointment).
Tip: Only use "will" for spontaneous decisions or general predictions. Use the present continuous or "going to" for pre-made plans.
Additional Practice: Simple Future
Choose the correct verb:
- (The phone rings) I (will answer / am answering) it!
- I am sure they (will win / win) the tournament.
Solutions:
- will answer: It is an instant decision made at the moment the phone rang.
- will win: It is a prediction based on what the speaker believes.
2. The "Going To" Form
Explanation: We use the structure "be going to + base verb" when we have already made a plan or when there is obvious evidence right now that something is about to happen.
Important Rules & Uses:
- Pre-decided Plans: When we have decided to do something before talking about it.
- "Have you decided what to do?" - "Yes. I am going to resign the job." (Original Example)
- "Why do you want to sell your motorbike?" - "I'm going to buy a car." (Original Example)
- Predictions based on Present Evidence: When something in the present tells us what is likely or certain to happen in the future.
- It is going to rain; look at those clouds. (Original Example)
- The boat is full of water. It is going to sink. (Original Example)
- She is going to have a baby. (Original Example)
- On the point of happening: Action that is just about to occur.
- Let's get into the train. It's going to leave. (Original Example)
- Look! The cracker is going to explode. (Original Example)
Common Mistakes & Tips:
Mistake: "Look at those dark clouds! It will rain."
Tip: Because there is physical evidence right now (the dark clouds), it is better to say "It is going to rain."
Additional Practice: "Going To"
Choose the right form:
- Watch out! That stack of books (is going to fall / will fall).
- I have bought the tickets. We (are going to visit / will visit) the museum.
Solutions:
- is going to fall: There is present evidence that it is unstable.
- are going to visit: The plan is already made (tickets bought).
3. "Be About To"
Explanation: This form is used for the very immediate future—things that will happen within the next few seconds or minutes.
- Let's get into the train. It's about to leave. (Original Example)
- Don't go out now. We are about to have lunch. (Original Example)
4. The Simple Present Tense for the Future
Explanation: The Simple Present isn't just for habits! We use it to talk about the future when we refer to fixed timetables, schedules, and specific time/condition clauses.
Important Rules & Uses:
- Official Programmes and Timetables: For things like trains, movies, and school terms.
- The college opens on 23rd June. (Original Example)
- The film starts at 6.30 and finishes at 9.00. (Original Example)
- When does the next train leave for Chennai? (Original Example)
- In Time and Condition Clauses: After words like if, unless, when, while, before, after, until, by the time, and as soon as. We NEVER use the Future Tense directly after these words.
- I won't go out if it rains. (not: will rain) (Original Example)
- Can I have some milk before I go to bed? (Original Example)
- Let's wait till he finishes his work. (Original Example)
- Please ring me up as soon as he comes. (Original Example)
Common Mistakes & Tips:
Mistake: "I will call you when I will arrive."
Tip: Never use "will" right after "when" or "if". Say: "I will call you when I arrive."
Additional Practice: Simple Present for Future
Correct the errors in these sentences:
- The bus will leave at 8:00 AM tomorrow.
- If you will study hard, you will pass.
Solutions:
- The bus leaves at 8:00 AM tomorrow. (It is a scheduled timetable).
- If you study hard, you will pass. (Do not use "will" after "if").
5. The Present Continuous Tense for the Future
Explanation: We use the Present Continuous Tense (am/is/are + verb+ing) when we have personally planned and arranged to do something in the near future.
- I am going to Shimla tomorrow. (Original Example)
- We are eating out tonight. (Original Example)
- Mr. Abdul Rehman is arriving this evening. (Original Example)
Tip: Use the Simple Present for public timetables (The train leaves...) but the Present Continuous for personal arrangements (I am leaving...).
6. The Future Continuous Tense
Explanation: We use the Future Continuous (will be + verb+ing) to talk about an action that will be in the middle of happening at a specific time in the future.
Important Rules & Uses:
- Action in progress in the future:
- I suppose it will be raining when we start. (Original Example)
- This time tomorrow I will be sitting on the beach in Singapore. (Original Example)
- "Can I see you at 5 o'clock?" - "Please don't come then. I will be watching the tennis match on TV." (Original Example)
- Expected/Routine planned actions:
- I will be staying here till Sunday. (Original Example)
- He will be meeting us next week. (Original Example)
- The postman will be coming soon. (Original Example)
7. "Be To"
Explanation: This is a formal structure (am to / is to / are to + base verb) used mostly in news reporting for official plans and arrangements.
- The Prime Minister is to visit America next month. (Original Example)
- The conference is to discuss "Nuclear Tests". (Original Example)
- Note: "Be" is usually left out in news headlines (e.g., "Prime Minister to visit America").
8. The Future Perfect Tense
Explanation: The Future Perfect (will have + past participle) looks back from a point in the future. It describes an action that will be fully 100% complete before a certain time in the future.
- I shall have written my exercise by then. (Original Example)
- He will have left before you go to see him. (Original Example)
- By the end of this month I will have worked here for five years. (Original Example)
Tip: Look for words like "by" (by Monday, by next year) which are strong hints to use the Future Perfect.
9. The Future Perfect Continuous Tense
Explanation: This tense (will have been + verb+ing) focuses on the duration of an action up to a certain time in the future. It is not very commonly used, but it's important to know!
- By next March we shall have been living here for four years. (Original Example)
- I'll have been teaching for twenty years next July. (Original Example)
Exercise in Composition 48 (Solved & Explained)
Choose the correct or more suitable forms of the verbs to fill in the blanks:
- The plane arrives at 3.30. (arrives, will arrive)
Reason: Simple present is used for official timetables. - I will phone you when he comes back. (comes, will come)
Reason: We do not use "will" in time clauses starting with "when". - When I get home, my dog will be sitting at the gate waiting for me. (sits, will be sitting)
Reason: The dog's action will be in progress at that future time. - I am visiting the Joshis this evening. (visit, am visiting)
Reason: This is a personal planned arrangement. - Look at those black clouds. It is going to rain. (will rain, is going to rain)
Reason: There is present evidence (black clouds) that it is about to rain. - The train will have arrived before we reach the station. (arrives, will have arrived)
Reason: The action of arriving will be complete before another future action. - Perhaps we will visit Mahabaleshwar next month. (visit, will visit)
Reason: "Perhaps" indicates a prediction or uncertain future, so we use will. - Unless we start now we can't be on time. (start, will start)
Reason: "Unless" introduces a condition clause; we use the simple present. - I will be driving into town later on. Do you want a lift? (drive, will be driving)
Reason: It describes an action that will be happening in the normal course of future events. - The next term begins on 16th November. (begins, is beginning)
Reason: It is a fixed academic timetable. - Oh dear! I am going to sneeze. (will sneeze, am going to sneeze)
Reason: Present physical evidence shows the action is on the point of happening. - By 2005, computers will have taken over many of the jobs that people do today. (will be taking over, will have taken over)
Reason: The word "By" implies completion before a specific future time. - I'm sure she will pass the exam. (passes, will pass)
Reason: A belief or prediction based on what we think ("I'm sure"). - I am going home next Sunday. (go, am going)
Reason: A personal planned arrangement. - I will be seeing you one of these days, I expect. (see, will be seeing)
Reason: An expected action in the normal course of things. - Help! I am going to fall. (will fall, am going to fall)
Reason: The action is imminent and obvious right now. - She has bought some cloth; she is going to make herself a blouse. (will make, is going to make)
Reason: The intention and plan were made before speaking (she bought cloth). - I will be passing your house this afternoon. It is on my way home from work. (will be passing, am passing)
Reason: It is an expected future routine/action in progress. - Hurry up! The programme is about to start. (will start, is about to start)
Reason: The action is happening in the immediate future. - This book is not long. I will have read it by lunch time. (will be reading, will have read)
Reason: The action will be fully completed before a certain time ("by lunch time").
Chapter Assessment: Multiple Choice Questions
- I think my team _______ the tournament this year.
A. wins
B. is winning
C. will win
D. will have won
Correct Answer: C. Explanation: We use "will" for predictions and beliefs. - The museum _______ at 10:00 AM tomorrow.
A. will open
B. opens
C. is opening
D. is to opening
Correct Answer: B. Explanation: We use Simple Present for fixed timetables and schedules. - Look out! You _______ that glass!
A. will drop
B. drop
C. are going to drop
D. dropping
Correct Answer: C. Explanation: There is present evidence that an action is about to happen. - I _______ a doctor tomorrow at 3 PM. I have an appointment.
A. will see
B. am seeing
C. see
D. shall see
Correct Answer: B. Explanation: We use Present Continuous for personal arrangements that are already made. - If you eat too much candy, you _______ a stomach ache.
A. got
B. get
C. will get
D. are getting
Correct Answer: C. Explanation: The main clause of a future condition uses "will". - I will call you as soon as I _______ at the airport.
A. will arrive
B. arrived
C. arrive
D. am arriving
Correct Answer: C. Explanation: After time words like "as soon as", we use the Simple Present for the future. - By the time you wake up, I _______ breakfast.
A. will make
B. am making
C. will have made
D. make
Correct Answer: C. Explanation: The action will be completed before a certain time in the future. - This time next week, we _______ on a beach in Goa.
A. will relax
B. will be relaxing
C. are relaxing
D. relaxed
Correct Answer: B. Explanation: The Future Continuous describes an action in progress at a specific future time. - "I don't have any money." - "Don't worry, I _______ you some."
A. am lending
B. lend
C. will lend
D. going to lend
Correct Answer: C. Explanation: It is an instant decision made at the moment of speaking. - The President _______ deliver a speech to the nation tonight.
A. is to
B. will to
C. going to
D. about
Correct Answer: A. Explanation: "Is to" is used for formal or official arrangements. - Hurry up! The movie is _______ begin.
A. will
B. going to
C. about to
D. to
Correct Answer: C. Explanation: "About to" shows the action will happen in the immediate future. - Next year, my parents _______ married for 25 years.
A. will be
B. will have been
C. are
D. have been
Correct Answer: B. Explanation: Future Perfect is used to show a state completed or reached by a future time. - We won't go for a picnic unless the weather _______ clear.
A. will be
B. is
C. is going to be
D. will have been
Correct Answer: B. Explanation: In an "unless" condition clause, we use the Simple Present for the future. - By 5 PM, she _______ for eight hours straight.
A. will study
B. will be studying
C. will have studied
D. will have been studying
Correct Answer: D. Explanation: Emphasizes the duration of an ongoing action up to a future point. - Why are you putting on your coat? - I _______ out for a walk.
A. am going
B. will go
C. go
D. shall go
Correct Answer: A. Explanation: The decision and preparation were already made before speaking. - Don't phone them at 8:00. They _______ dinner.
A. will have
B. will be having
C. have
D. are having
Correct Answer: B. Explanation: The action of eating will be in progress at that time. - I bought the paint because I _______ my room this weekend.
A. will paint
B. paint
C. am going to paint
D. shall paint
Correct Answer: C. Explanation: "Going to" is used for intentions planned before the time of speaking. - The train _______ at platform 3 in five minutes.
A. is arriving
B. will have arrived
C. will arrive
D. arrives
Correct Answer: D. Explanation: It is an official timetable, so we use the Simple Present. - I _______ the report by Friday evening.
A. will have finished
B. finish
C. am finishing
D. will be finishing
Correct Answer: A. Explanation: Completion before a specific future time (Friday evening). - Perhaps it _______ snow tomorrow.
A. is going to
B. will
C. is to
D. snows
Correct Answer: B. Explanation: "Perhaps" shows uncertainty, so we use the simple future prediction.
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