English as a Second Language | Future tenses

Mastering the Future Tenses (CEFR A2 Grammar)

Hello future grammar experts! This chapter is all about how we talk about tomorrow, next week, or next year. Mastering the Future Tenses is essential because it allows you to make plans, promises, and predictions clearly!

At A2 level, we focus on three main ways to talk about the future. Don't worry if this seems tricky at first; we will break it down into super simple steps using clear rules and examples.

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1. The Future Simple: Using 'WILL' (The Spontaneous Future)

We use will when we make decisions quickly, at the moment of speaking, or for simple predictions and promises.

How to build 'WILL' (The Formula)

This is the simplest future form because the verb does not change!

• Positive: Subject + will + Base Verb (The Base Verb is the verb without ‘to’)
  Example: I will help you.
• Negative: Subject + will not (or won't) + Base Verb
  Example: They won't understand the problem.
• Question: Will + Subject + Base Verb?
  Example: Will she come to the party?

When do we use 'WILL'?

Think of 'Will' like a quick decision made on the spot—like sending a spontaneous text message!

• 1. Spontaneous Decisions (Decided Now):
  If you decide something instantly, use will.
  (The doorbell rang.) Oh, I will get it! (Decision made right now.)
• 2. Predictions (What you think will happen):
  When you state an opinion about the future, often using words like I think, I hope, perhaps, probably.
  I think it will snow in December. (This is just an opinion.)
• 3. Promises, Offers, and Requests:
  I will study hard for the exam. (Promise)
  Will you lend me your book? (Request)

Memory Aid: Think of W for Wondering (predictions) and Willpower (a promise or offer).

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2. Future Plans: Using 'BE GOING TO' (The Planned Future)

We use be going to when we talk about actions we planned before we started speaking, or when we see clear evidence that something is about to happen.

How to build 'BE GOING TO' (The Formula)

This form is a little longer because you must conjugate the verb 'to be' (am/is/are).

• Positive: Subject + am/is/are + going to + Base Verb
  Example: She is going to buy a new phone.
• Negative: Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + Base Verb
  Example: We are not going to travel this year.

Prerequisite Check: Remember to match ‘be’ to the subject:
I am going to...
He/She/It is going to...
We/You/They are going to...

When do we use 'BE GOING TO'?

Think of 'Going To' like looking at a diary or schedule—the plan is already made!

• 1. Intentions and Prior Plans:
  This is used for things you decided to do yesterday or last week.
  I saved up money, so I am going to buy a new bicycle. (The plan/intention is firm.)
• 2. Predictions Based on Evidence:
  When you see something happening right now that clearly shows the future result.
  Look at that big truck! It is going to crash into the fence! (The evidence is visible now.)

Common Mistake to Avoid: Never use "will" and "going to" together! (e.g., I will going to study is incorrect.)

Key Takeaway: Use be going to for plans you have already decided on, and for predictions where you have strong, visual proof.

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3. Fixed Arrangements: Using Present Continuous

For official, very definite arrangements that are scheduled in your calendar (especially appointments and travel), we often use the Present Continuous tense.

How to build it (The Formula)

Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing

Example: I am having a dentist appointment at 3 PM.

When to use it for the future?

This tense is perfect for describing appointments where the time and place are already fixed and confirmed. You almost always need to mention a future time word (like tomorrow, next Monday, tonight).

• They are leaving for the airport early tomorrow morning. (The flight is booked—it’s a fixed plan.)
• Are you working next weekend? (Asking about a fixed schedule.)

Analogy: Using the Present Continuous for the future is like marking something on a wall calendar with a thick red pen—it’s not changing!

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4. Summary and Comparison (The Tricky Part!)

The most confusing part is choosing between will and be going to. Use this simple guide:

Comparing Decisions and Predictions

Feature	WILL	BE GOING TO
When is the decision made?	At the moment of speaking (Spontaneous)	Before the moment of speaking (Prior Plan/Intention)
Type of Prediction	Opinion, guess, belief (I think...)	Based on visible evidence (Look out!)
Example 1 (Decision)	"I forgot my keys. Wait, I will go back and get them."	"I bought a helmet. I am going to ride my new bicycle."
Example 2 (Prediction)	"Scientists believe people will live on Mars someday."	"The boat is overloaded. It is going to sink!"

💡 Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Mistake 1: Forgetting 'to be'
  (Wrong): My brother going to start university.
  Correction: My brother is going to start university. (The 'be' verb is essential!)
• Mistake 2: Mixing Spontaneous and Planned
  If you say, "I have tickets for the cinema," the plan is fixed.
  (Wrong): I will go to the cinema tonight.
  Correction: I am going to go to the cinema tonight. (Or, better, using Present Continuous: I am going to the cinema tonight.)

Encouragement: You are doing great! The difference between these tenses is subtle, even for native speakers sometimes. Practice asking yourself: "Was the decision made right now (will)? Or was it planned earlier (going to)?"

Final Key Takeaway: For A2, focus on the context! Sudden action = will. Planned action or strong evidence = be going to. Fixed calendar event = Present Continuous.