Definition & Examples

The simple future tense is used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future. In English, the simple future tense is formed with the auxiliary verb “will” followed by the base form of the main verb.

Example: “I will go to the store tomorrow.”

Here are some more examples:

"They will arrive at the airport at 7 PM."
"She will finish her work by the end of the day."
"We will have a picnic in the park next weekend."

It is also possible to use “be going to” to express future plans or intentions, although this is less common in formal writing:

Example: “I am going to visit my grandparents next month.”

The simple future tense is often used to make predictions or to talk about future plans and intentions. It is used to describe a future event that is seen as certain or inevitable.

The present continuous tense can also be used to represent future actions or events.

The present continuous tense can also be used to represent future actions or events that have been planned or arranged in advance. In this case, the present continuous tense is used to talk about future plans that are seen as fixed and certain.

To form the present continuous tense for future events, the auxiliary verb “be” is used in the present continuous form and the main verb is in the present participle form (-ing).

Example: “I am visiting my grandparents next week.”

Here are some more examples:

"She is studying for her exam tomorrow."
"They are leaving for their vacation next Friday."
"We are having a picnic in the park this weekend."
"The flight is departing at 7 PM tomorrow."

It is important to note that when using the present continuous tense to represent the future, the time expression or context must clearly indicate that the action or event is in the future.

中文解析

习题-Exercise

Here are some exercises to help you practice using the simple future tense:

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate form of "will":
    I __________ to the park later. (go)
    They __________ their homework by 6 PM. (finish)
    She __________ a doctor in the future. (be)
    We __________ to the museum next week. (visit)
    The train __________ at 5 PM. (arrive)

Write five sentences about things you will do tomorrow using the simple future tense.

Write five predictions about what will happen in the future.

Write a short paragraph about a future event you are looking forward to, using the simple future tense.

Answers:

I will go to the park later. They will finish their homework by 6 PM. She will be a doctor in the future. We will visit the museum next week. The train will arrive at 5 PM.

(Examples) I will wake up early and go for a run. I will have a meeting with my boss at 10 AM. I will meet my friends for lunch. I will attend a concert in the evening. I will watch a movie before I go to bed.

(Examples) The world will be a more technologically advanced place in 50 years. Climate change will have a major impact on our planet. Renewable energy sources will become more widely used. Space tourism will become more common. Robots will play an increasingly important role in our daily lives.

(Example) I am really looking forward to my trip to Hawaii next year. I will stay at a resort on the beach and spend my days relaxing in the sun and swimming in the ocean. I will also take a helicopter tour of the island and go snorkeling in a coral reef. I am excited to experience the beautiful scenery and culture of Hawaii, and to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are some exercises to help you practice using the present continuous tense to represent the future:

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate form of the present continuous tense:
    I __________ my friend for dinner tonight. (meet)
    They __________ to the movie theater later. (go)
    She __________ a new job next month. (start)
    We __________ to the beach next weekend. (drive)
    The concert __________ at 8 PM tonight. (begin)

Write five sentences about things you are going to do this week using the present continuous tense.

Write a short paragraph about a future event you are excited about, using the present continuous tense.

Answers:

I am meeting my friend for dinner tonight. They are going to the movie theater later. She is starting a new job next month. We are driving to the beach next weekend. The concert is beginning at 8 PM tonight.

(Examples) I am going to the gym every day this week. I am taking a cooking class on Wednesday. I am attending a book club meeting on Thursday. I am visiting my family for the weekend. I am volunteering at the local food bank on Sunday.

(Example) I am really excited about my trip to Europe next summer. I am visiting several countries and experiencing the culture, history, and cuisine of each place. I am also taking a language course to improve my speaking skills. I am looking forward to making new friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime.