When discussing something that is not happening now, but will take place later, you are using the simple future tense. In other words, when we refer to things that will happen in the future, we often use something known as the simple future tense. To learn more about it, go through the blog. It talks about this tense in detail, from definition to example, format, structure, and a worksheet. Read on.
Table of Contents
The simple future tense describes an action or an event that will happen or take place in future. It helps convey an action or state that will begin and end in the future. This tense helps users make predictions, offers, quick decisions, and promises.
Check out the definition according to many dictionaries for a better idea of what is simple future tense is mentioned below:
According to the Collins Dictionary’s simple future tense definition, it is "a tense used when describing actions or events that will happen after the time of speaking."
On the other hand, the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines it as “The form of a verb that expresses what will happen after the present”.
Now let's look at the simple future tense examples that show promises, plans, or predication:
The simple future tense is usually formed using "will" and "shall" followed by the base form of the word. The formula of the simple future tense is:
Subject + Helping verb (will/shall) + Base form of the verb + Rest of the sentence (object)
Do you know that the structure of simple future tense sentences changes while using the positive, negative, interrogative, and negative interrogative formats? Know how:
| Types | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Subject + Helping verb (will) + Base form of the verb + the rest of the sentence | I will visit my friends this weekend. |
| Negative | Subject + Will not/Won’t + Base form of the verb + the rest of the sentence | I will not watch the show today, or I won’t watch the show today. |
| Interrogative | Will + Subject + base form of the verb + the rest of the sentence | Will I finish my homework before dinner? |
| Negative Interrogative | Will + Subject + not + Base form of the verb + the rest of the sentence | Will I not join the gym next month? |
Uses of simple future tense can be many, ranging from expressing different situations or intentions related to future time. The table below shows the same:
|
Use |
Description |
Examples |
|
Predictions and Assumptions |
Used to talk about what you believe or expect will happen in the future. |
He will pass the exam easily. The weather will get colder next week. Our team will win the championship. |
|
Instant Decisions |
Used for actions decided at the moment of speaking. |
I’ll answer the phone. I’ll grab a taxi to save time. |
|
Promises and Offers |
Used to show willingness, make promises, or offer help. |
I will take care of your dog. I’ll send you the report today. Shall I make some tea for you? |
|
Refusal or Unwillingness (Negative Form) |
Used when someone is not willing to do something. |
He won’t apologise for his mistake. The car won’t start again. |
|
Future Facts and Certainties |
Used for statements known to be true or factual in the future. |
The shop will open at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Summer will begin in June. |
|
Commands (Using “You”) |
Used to give firm orders or instructions. |
You will finish your work before leaving. |
|
Invitations and Requests (Using “You”) |
Used to ask someone politely to do something. |
Will you join us for dinner? Will you help me with this project? |
Here is a sample worksheet to help you practice and get along with the tense well. So choose the correct option and complete the sentence:
1. She (go / goes) to school by bus every day.
2. We (watch / watches) TV in the evening.
3. He (read / reads) the newspaper every morning.
4. They (play / plays) football in the park.
5. My mother (cook / cooks) delicious meals.
6. The train (leave / leaves) at 6 o’clock.
7. It (rain / rains) heavily during the monsoon.
8. You (speak / speaks) English very well.
9. The sun (rise / rises) in the east.
10. I (like / likes) to listen to music.
11. The dog (bark / barks) loudly at night.
12. We (study / studies) in the same school.
13. She (wash / washes) the dishes after dinner.
14. My friends (enjoy / enjoys) going on trips.
15. He (go / goes) to bed early every night.
Answers
1. goes
2. watch
3. reads
4. play
5. cooks
6. leaves
7. rains
8. speak
9. rises
10. like
11. barks
12. study
13. washes
14. enjoy
15. goes
The simple future tense helps us to clearly express our plans, predictions, and actions that will take place in the future. By having an understanding of the definition, formula, examples, and worksheet, you will be able to use them confidently. However, if you want to have your hands on any other English grammar skills, such as prepositions, pronouns, nouns, parts of speech, or any other tenses, you can find our blogs on Gradding.com. The experts are here to help you in any situation.
1. Do Verbs Within the Simple Future Tense Change form Based on their Subject in Number and Person?
No, the verbs in the simple future tense do not change form based on their subject's number or person. Because the simple future is formed using the auxiliary verb "will" followed by the base form of the main verb, and "will" does not change for any subject.
2. What is the Difference Between 'will' and 'be going to'?
Use "will" for spontaneous decisions, offers, or predictions without evidence. Use "be going to" for planned actions or predictions based on evidence. Example: "I'll call you later" vs. "I'm going to study tonight."
3. What Are Some Common Mistakes Students Make with the Future Tense?
Some common mistakes include:
4. When Should I Use "be going to"?
Use is going to be for plans, intentions, or predictions based on clear evidence.
5. How Do I Make a Negative Sentence in the Simple Future?
Use will not (won't) or am/is/are not going to before the base verb.
We are available in :
BangaloreAhmedabadJaipurHyderabadKeralaPuneChandigarhMumbaiGurgaonChennaiKolkataTrivandrumNoidaKochiCalicutKottayamKollamThrissurIndoreUdaipurdisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.
