The Future Simple

The Future Simple

1. Facts or prediction

We use the future simple to express facts about the future which do not depend on the speaker.

Peter will be 28 years old in December.

The elections will take place next year.

We can also make predictions about the future which are not definite or arranged.

It will rain tomorrow. (weather forecast)

Real Madrid will win the match again. (I think)

2. Intentions and promises

We use the future simple to talk about intentions and promises or decisions made at the time of speaking.

Ok, I will buy you an ice cream. (promise)

I’ll have a cappuccino, please. (decision)

I will travel to New York one day. (intention)

3. Threats

We can use the future simple to express threats.

Leave me alone or I will call the police!

You will regret this!

4. Requests

The future simple can also express requests.

Will you, please, open the door for me?

Will you help me with the project, please?

3. Threats3. Threats3. Threats3. Threats4. Requests4. Requests4. Requests4. Requests

5. Hopes and expectations

We can use the future simple to talk about hopes and expectations.

It is used with verbs: expect, hope, think, assume, doubt, suppose, believe, I’m sure, I wonder, etc. and with adverbs: probably, hopefully, perhaps, possibly, etc.

I hope he will arrive on time.

Hopefully the plane will not be delayed.

Do you think he will phone?

6. Weather forecasts

We use the future simple in weather forecasts to predict the weather.

Tomorrow will be rainy.

The snow will continue tomorrow.

It will be sunny and dry over the next few days.

7. Offers and suggestions

We use ‘shall’ to express offers and suggestions.

Shall we have a pizza? (suggestions)

Shall I wash up the dishes for you? (offer)

Where shall we go on holidays? (asking for suggestion)

8. Use of shall

We don’t use shall very often in modern English. It is usually used to express offers and suggestions in the first person singular (I) and plural (we) in questions. The negative of shall is shan’t (= shall not).

Shall I make you a cup of tea?

We can also use shall to express strong determination.

I shall tell him the truth!