Uses of the Future: Expressing Plans, Intentions, Predictions, Resolutions, Wishes, and Arrangements
Let's think about three possible ways in which you use the future:
to express things you want to do in the future with no concrete plan, to express more concrete plans, and, finally, to predict things (events you don't control.)
I'd love to be famous one day. (would like to)
I'd like to find love.
I want to buy a new house.
I wish to be happy.
I'm considering getting a dog.
For RESOLUTIONS, that is, when you want to communicate that you made the decision to do (or not do) something. You don't have a plan necessarily. You just want to express that you are determined to do something.
I'll stop smoking.
I won't miss my children's birthdays ever again!
PROMISES:
I'll help you anytime you ask me to.
I'll be your friend.
PLANS, INTENTIONS, ARRANGEMENTS
For plans or intentions, usually when no concrete arrangements have been made, use:
I'm going to think about it.
I'm not going to travel this summer.
I'm planning to make a trip this weekend.
For definite plans taking place in the short term or that are very certain (ARRANGEMENTS), use:
present continuous + future time expression
I'm having lunch with my mom today.
Tomorrow I'm leaving.
Next Saturday, we're moving to a new city.
I'm starting my new job on Monday.
PREDICTIONS
For making predictions, depending on the level of certainty you can use will/won't, might, might not, may/may not, could/couldn't
For highly certain events, provided you have evidence to support it, use:
It's going to rain any minute (Look at the clouds and the wind)
It'll rain this afternoon. (It's been raining a lot lately)
He won't come (He was very sick this morning)
Less probable events:
It might rain today (I'm taking my umbrella today, just in case.)
He might not come (He wanted to but he had an emergency so he doesn't know.)
It could be dangerous. (Don't touch that without protection)
It may be long-term effects. (Use this medicine only sporadically)
Games and exercises and additional info
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