The future tense with “will” is used to make predictions, talk or ask about future events, make promises, or express willingness to do something.   

Prediction:

We use ‘will’ to predict what might happen based on what we know about something.

  • “I think it will rain tomorrow.”
  • I think our team will win the game tomorrow.
  • She’ll pass the exam tomorrow. (She’s been studying so much)
Future events:
  • She will start her new job next week.
  • He’ll be home at five o’clock.
  • The police will be here soon.
Promises or Offers

We often make promises and offers at the time of speaking.

  • I will help you with your project.
  • I’ll look after your dogs while you are away.
  • I’ll call customer services for you.
  • It’s stuffy in here. I’ll open a window.
Conditional Use

The future tense with “will” is also used in 1st conditional sentences to express a possible future outcome based on a particular condition.

  •  If it rains, I will bring an umbrella.
  • If we win, we’ll celebrate.

In modern English, “shall” is used with “I” and “we” to express future actions or to make suggestions. It can also be used to ask for advice or instructions. For example:

Future actions:
  • I shall be there at 6 PM.
  • I shall not be late.
Suggestions
  • Shall we go for a walk?
  • Shall I open the door for you?
Asking for advice
  • What shall I do with all these leftovers? 
  • What shall I do about Lizzy?
 Asking for instructions 
  • Shall I turn off the lights?
  • Shall I leave the package on the table?

Shall is not often used in U.S. English. It’s mainly used in the U.K. Australia uses shall mainly in questions with ‘I’ and often with we in questions and affirmative sentences.

  • What shall we do for dinner?
  • Shall we see a movie tonight?
  • What shall I wear to the party?
Going to

We use going to to talk about future plans and intentions. We’ve usually already made plans at the time of speaking.

  • I’m going to be a doctor when I finish high school.
  • We’re going to get married next year.
  • We’re going to watch a movie tonight.

To learn how to make the future tense with ‘will’, click here.

To practise using the future tense (affirmative), please click below.

Click here

To practise using future tense (negative) please click below.

Click here