Future Simple in English

The future simple can help you talk about intentions, predictions, and promises. Most learners struggle with tenses at the start, luckily future simple is among the easier ones to learn. In this reference, we will take a closer look at Future Simple in English and give you all the information you need to understand and use it correctly.

What is the Future Simple Tense?

The Future Simple is a verb tense used to express actions that will occur in the future. We form it with the auxiliary verb "will" or "shall" plus the infinitive form of the main verb. It is used to express things that are expected to happen in the future, such as predictions and intentions.

You can easily use this tense with a simple formula:

will/shall + infinitive form of the main verb

The Future Simple can also be used to make offers, such as when you offer to help someone. It can also be used to express promises, such as when you promise to do something. In addition, it can be used to express decisions that have been made in the present but will happen in the future.

How to Form the Future Simple Tense

The Future Simple is formed with the auxiliary verb "will" or "shall" plus the infinitive form of the main verb. For example:

• I will go to the store.
• She shall help you.

The auxiliary verb "will" is used for all persons and for most verbs. The auxiliary verb "shall" is used mainly in questions and for the first person singular and plural (I and we). For example:

• Will you help me?
• Shall we go now?

In negative sentences, the auxiliary verb "will" is changed to "won't" and the auxiliary verb "shall" is changed to "shan't". For example:

• I won't go to the store.
• She shan't help you.

Common Uses of the Future Simple Tense

The Future Simple is used for a number of different purposes, such as expressing predictions, intentions, offers, decisions, and promises.

The Future Simple is often used to express predictions. For example:

The news report says traffic will be bad tomorrow.

It can also be used to express intentions, such as when you intend to do something in the future. For example:

I will call you tomorrow.

The Future Simple can also be used to make offers, such as when you offer to help someone. For example:

I will help you with your homework.

It can also be used to express decisions that have been made in the present but will happen in the future. For example:

I will go to the party tomorrow.

Finally, the Future Simple is often used to express promises. For example:

I promise I will do my best.

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Examples of Sentences in the Future Simple

Here are some examples of sentences in the Future Simple:

• I will go to the store tomorrow.
• She will help you with your homework.
• We will have dinner at 6pm.
• They will go to the movies tonight.
• I will call you later.
• You will do your best.
• He will finish the project by Friday.
• She will be here in an hour.
• We will meet at the park.
• They will arrive at noon.

Exceptions and special cases for the Future Simple Tense

There are a few exceptions and special cases to keep in mind when using the Future Simple.

First, the Future Simple is not used in the present or past tense. For example:

• Wrong: I will go to the store.
• Right: I am going to the store.

Second, the Future Simple is not used in questions with the verb "will". For example:

• Wrong: Will you go to the store?
• Right: Are you going to the store?

Third, the Future Simple is not used in sentences with the verb "to be". For example:

• Wrong: I will be at the store.
• Right: I am going to be at the store.

Finally, the Future Simple is not used in past tense sentences. For example:

• Wrong: I will went to the store.
• Right: I went to the store.

Common Mistakes with Future Simple

The Future Simple can be confusing, so it is important to watch out for common mistakes.

First, many people mistakenly use the present tense instead of the Future Simple. For example:

• Wrong: I will go to the store.
• Right: I am going to the store.

Second, many people mistakenly use the verb "will" in questions. For example:

• Wrong: Will you go to the store?
• Right: Are you going to the store?

Third, many people mistakenly use the Future Simple with the verb "to be". For example:

• Wrong: I will be at the store.
• Right: I am going to be at the store.

Finally, many people mistakenly use the Future Simple in past tense sentences. For example:

• Wrong: I will went to the store.
• Right: I went to the store.

Summary

If you pay attention exceptions and special cases for the Future Simple, it's definitely one of the easiest tenses to learn. You form it with the formula will/shall + infinitive form of the main verb. After that, you can express any intentions you wish with this handy verb tense!