Introduction
The future tense denote actions or events that is expected or planned to happen in the future.
It is used to represent action or event that has not happened yet and is expected to but there is no time bound.
Structure of the Simple Future Tense
| Subject + Auxiliary verb(will) + Base form of the main verb + the rest of the sentence |
Check out these formulas below to understand the sentence formation using simple future tense.
| Sentence Type | Structure | Examples |
| Affirmative | Subject + Will + Base form of the verb + object | 1. She will play football. 2. They will write a letter. |
| Negative | Subject + Will not/Won’t + Base form of the verb + object | 1. She will not play football. 2. They won’t write a letter. |
| Interrogative | Will + Subject + Base form of the verb + object + ? | 1. Will she play football? 2. Will they write a letter? |
| Interrogative negative | Won’t + Subject + Base form of the verb + object + ? | 1. Won’t she play football? 2. Will they not write a letter? |
Application of the Simple Future Tense
The simple future tense is majorly used in five scenarios. In the table below, each scenario is explained well with an example:
| Scenarios | Examples |
| Making predictions about someone or something in the future | 1. My astrologer said that I will get a better job next month. 2. I guess the red saree will look good for the wedding . 3. I feel she will not appear for the examination. |
| Mentioning about something true happened in past | 1. As the train is delayed, it will arrive at 9 am in the morning tomorrow. 2. The country will see a change in the government in the coming election. 3. The company will launch its new product next quarter. |
| Questioning about the future | 1. Will you be able to reach the destination on time? 2. Won’t she be ready with her performance for the annual day? 3. Will they apologize for telling a lie? |
| Giving orders or making commands | 1. You will have to submit your personal documents for verification. 2. You will need to provide securities to the bank, for getting the loan. 3. You will give this to Ms. Sharma to complete the admission process. |
Point to remember
At most of the cases ‘going to’ is used in place of ‘will’. Though the construction is similar for both but ‘going to’ is more informal and conversational.
In ‘going to’, the subject emphasize a decision they’re making in the present about their intentions.
For Example:
Commonly made mistakes in the simple future tense –
Below are a few commonly made mistakes that are made in simple future tense:
1. Using present tense instead of future tense to mention about future action yet to happen.
For Example:
A. I go to the market tomorrow. (incorrect)
B. I will go to the market tomorrow. (correct)
2. Omitting “will/shall” from the sentence
For Example:
A. She take the classes next week. (incorrect)
B. She will take the classes next week. (correct)
3. Confusion between future continuous and simple future:
For Example:
A. I will be go to the hospital. (incorrect)
B. I will go to the hospital. (correct)
4. Use of “Will” and “Going to” in the same sentence:
For Example:
A. I will going to take the class. (incorrect)
B. I will take the class. (correct)
5. Incorrect use of “Will” in Negative Sentences:
For Example:
A. I don’t will eat. (incorrect)
B. I will not eat. (correct)