Simple Future Tense

We can talk about the future in English in several ways. For example, by using:

• Simple Future Tense
• the going to form
• be to + infinitive
• Simple Present Tense
• Present Continuous Tense

In this article we are going to focus on the first three.

Uses of Simple Future Tense

Use Case 1: Future as a fact

We use Simple Future Tense to talk about things which we cannot control. It expresses the future as a fact.

My daughter will be nine next Saturday.

We will know about the election result by midnight.

Use Case 2

We also use Simple Future Tense to talk about what we think or believe will happen in the future.

In such cases, we use this tense with expressions like:
I think, I am sure, I expect, I believe, Probably, etc.

I think he will get the job.

I am sure New Zealand will win the rugby world cup.

Different sentence structures of the Simple Future tense

Structure of Declarative sentences

Affirmative Declarative Sentences

Pattern: Subject + shall/will + $V_1$ + Object

Aanya will play football.
They will play football.  

Negative Declarative Sentences

Pattern: Subject + shall/will + not + $V_1$ + Object

Aanya will not play football.
They will not play football.

Structure of Interrogative sentences

Affirmative Interrogative Sentences

Pattern 1: Shall/Will + Subject + $V_1$ + Object?

Will Aanya play football?

Pattern 2: Wh. family + will/shall + Subject + $V_1$ + Object?

Where will Aanya play badminton?

Negative Interrogative Sentences:

Pattern 1: Shall/Will + Subject + not + $V_1$ + Object?

Will Aanya not play football?

Pattern 2: Wh. family + will/shall + Subject + not + $V_1$ + Object?

Why will Aanya not play badminton?

Uses of ‘Going to’

Use Case 1

When we have already decided to do something, then we use the ‘going to’ form (be going to + $V_1$).

Will you go? – Yes. I am going to leave tonight.

I am going to play in the tournament.

Use Case 2

When something seems likely or certain to happen (based on the present), then also we use the going to form.

I guess it is going to rain.

You are going to be a father.

Use Case 3

The going to form can also be used to express an action which is about to happen.

Our bus is going to leave soon.

That boiler is going to explode.

Uses of ‘Be to + infinitive’

Use Case 1: formal arrangements, formal instructions

(be to + infinitive) form is used to talk about formal arrangements, formal instructions, and to give orders. It is commonly used in news reports.

The parliament is to introduce a new bill on women’s safety.

The pills are not to be taken before meals.

Use Case 2

(be to + infinitive) is used only in cases where the things can be controlled by people.

We don’t know whether the comet is to hit the earth or not. (incorrect)
We don’t know whether the comet is going to hit the earth or not. (correct)

I firmly believe that we are to succeed eventually. (incorrect)
I firmly believe that we will succeed eventually. (correct)

Use Case 3

We also use (be to + infinitive) in if-clauses to say that something must take place first before something else can take place. The thing that will happen next is placed in the if-clause.

If we are to survive, then we must neutralize that sniper now. (active form)

The colleges must collaborate with corporates if cutting-edge education is to be provided. (passive form)

Compare:

• Use of (be to + infinitive) in if-clauses:
  Dravid needs to improve his technique if he is to play in the test team.
  (if he is to play - consequence clause in (be to + infinitive) form. Condition is that he need to improve, the consequence is that he will play.)

• Use of simple present tense for the future in if-clauses:
  Dravid can play in the test team if he improves his technique.
  (if he improves - conditional clause in simple present tense. Condition is that he need to improve, the consequence is that he will play.)
  
  If it snows, it will get a little warm.
  (If it snows – conditional clause in simple present tense)

Extra Books and Tools

If you prefer to learn via books, or want some good English Grammar books for reference purposes, you may read this article which enlists some of the books recommended by us.