Lesson

7 The future

APresent tenses: future meaning

Present simple Present continuous
 The train leaves at 8.00 p.m. on Sunday.  I’m seeing the optician next week.
 The film doesn’t start until 7.30.  We aren’t doing anything tomorrow.
 What time is your flight tomorrow?  Are they getting married soon?
1 We use the Present simple to talk about actions 1 We use the Present continuous to talk about
in the future determined by timetables and fixed definite arrangements for the future, such as plans
programmes. and appointments.
2 We often use it with a future time expression like at
3 o’clock, tonight, tomorrow, next weekend.

Bbe going to
 I’m going to work really hard this term. 2 When we use going to go or going to come
in spoken English, we usually omit going to to
She’s going to tell you a secret.
avoid repetition.
 We aren’t going to go on holiday this year.
They’re coming to visit us tomorrow. NOT They’re
He isn’t going to come to the party.
going to come to… We’re going to the cinema
 Is he going to buy a new scooter? tonight. NOT We’re going to go…
Yes, he is.
3 We use be about to + the base form of the verb to talk
 No, he isn’t. about an imminent event.
Can I call you back? I’m about to go out. Be
1 We use be going to + the base form of the
quiet – the film’s about to begin.
verb: to talk about future intentions;
I’m going to study Chemistry next year. 4 We use was about to to talk about an intention
to make predictions about the future based or something we planned, but didn’t do.
on things we know or can see now. I was going to see Patrick, but he called to cancel.
John’s going to be really angry. Oh
look! I think it’s going to rain.

CModal verbs will, may and might

will The other adverbs go after will, but before won’t.
 I will/’ll come to the concert. I think he’ll say yes.
The world’s population will continue to grow. Maybe he’ll say yes. It’ll
 She will not/won’t pass the exam. probably rain later.
We will not/won’t be late.
We certainly won’t be late.
 Will the party be good? 2 Will is a modal verb so the third person singular
Yes, it will. does not take -s, and we do not use do/does to
form the negative or questions.
 No, it won’t.
We usually use the contracted forms ’ll and won’t in
1 We use will/won’t + the base form of the verb: spoken English.
to express a decision about the future taken at the 3 Note: We usually say I don’t think… + will.
moment of speaking; I don’t think it will rain. NOT I think it won’t rain.
I think I’ll get the bus home.
to make future promises: may, might
I’ll call you as soon as I arrive.  We might go to the cinema later.
to talk about future facts; The exam may be difficult.
I’ll be 17 on my next birthday.
 She might not (mightn’t) come.
to make predictions about the future based on
They may not answer you.
what we think, hope or expect will happen. We
often use these expressions with will: I think, 1 We can also use the modal verbs may and might
I don’t think, I’m sure, I believe, I hope, I (= will perhaps) to talk about future possibilities.
expect. We also often use these adverbs: maybe, It might rain. (= Perhaps it will rain.)
perhaps, probably, definitely, certainly. 2 The negative forms are may not and might not or
Maybe and perhaps go at the beginning of a mightn’t. We do not say mayn’t.
sentence.
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 Lesson
7
APresent tenses: future meaning
1 Complete the sentences with the correct 2 Complete the questions for these answers.
form of the Present simple or Present Use the Present simple or continuous.
continuous and a verb from the box. 1 A What are you doing tonight?
visit start go see B Nothing much. I’m staying in.
meet kick off leave have 3 A When ?
1 The exhibition starts on January 6th. B The flight arrives at 10.00 in the morning.
2 We to Cuba for Christmas. 3 A When your new car?
-
3 -I dinner with Bill tomorrow B I’m getting it next month.
evening. 4 A Who to the cinema?
4 The match at 3.00 p.m. on B He’s taking Francesca.
Saturday. 5 A What time dinner?
5 My Italian penpal us this summer. B We’re having it at 8 o’clock.
6 Hurry up! The train in half an hour. 6 A What time ?
7 -- I the dentist this afternoon. B The concert begins at 8.30 p.m.
8 Mel Mark at the station later.

Bbe going to
3 Complete the sentences with the correct 4 Complete the questions.
form of be going to and a verb from the 1 are you going to see?
A What film
box.
B We’re going to see Extreme Risk.
stay finish be pass speak get
2 A What on holiday?
1 The sun’s really hot. You’re going to get B I’m going to lie on the beach!
burnt. 3 A When ?
2 Look at the queue for the film. It’s B She’s going to start looking for a job soon.
sold out. 4 A Why your scooter?
3 He hasn’t studied very hard for his exams. B I’m going to sell it because I want a new one.
(He/not). 5 A When the house?
4 She’s hurt my feelings. (I/not) B Dad’s going to paint the house this summer.
to her again. 6 A Where in Asia?
5 That pizza’s enormous! (You/ B They’re going to go to Vietnam and Laos.
not) it.
6 -- I at home this weekend.

CModal verbs will, may and might

5 Write full answers to the questions using will 6 Complete the sentences with the correct
and the adverbs in brackets. form of will, may or might and a verb from
1 A Will you be home early tonight? (definitely) the box.
B Yes, I’ll definitely be home early tonight. have go get help
2 A Do you think you’ll get the job? (probably remain come enjoy know
not) will remain a monarchy.
1 I believe the UK
B
2 I don’t feel very well. --I
3 A Will she help you with the shopping? (perhaps)
B tonight.
4 A Will the students get bored on the school 3 Please come to my party. You
trip? (certainly not) a great time!
B 4 Believe me, this film’s really scary. You
5 A Will you go to university when you finish it.
school? (probably) 5 Ask Sam. He the answer.
B 6 We haven’t decided where to go on holiday. We
6 A Will she see him again? (maybe) to Trinidad.
B 7 That train is usually busy. We
a seat.
8 Don’t worry. I’m sure Dad us.
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