English Will Future Tense (Back to basics - Part 6)

The Slovenian language has only one future tense to talk about things that will happen in the future. In contrast, English has multiple future tenses that describe different aspects of the future. With these various tenses, English speakers can express predictions, plans, intentions, expectations, and arrangements in a more precise way. Having different future tenses in English allows for a better understanding and communication about future events. But it also complicates learning English as a foreign language a bit. No worries, we’re here to help.

Today, let's explore the Will future tense: a verb tense used to describe actions or states that will happen in the future. It is often used to talk about planned or predicted activities or experiences.

How to Form the Will Future Tense

The Will future tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb "will" followed by the base form of the main verb. The base form remains unchanged regardless of the subject. Unlike other tenses, there are no changes or conjugations based on the subject.

For example:

I will visit Italy next year.
She will finish her homework tonight.
They will live in a new house soon.

Negative and Interrogative Forms

To create the negative form of the Will Future Tense, we add "not" after the auxiliary verb "will":

I will not visit Italy next year.
She will not finish her homework tonight.
They will not live in a new house soon.

These sentences can be rewritten using contractions, which are more commonly used in spoken language. However, for formal writing, it is preferable to use the full form.

I won't visit Italy next year.
She won't finish her homework tonight.
They won't live in a new house soon.

Forming questions is simple; we just need to invert the subject and the auxiliary verb:

Will you visit Italy next year?
Will she finish her homework tonight?
Will they live in a new house soon?

WH Questions

Similar to other tenses, we can use WH questions with the Will Future Tense. Here are a few examples:

What will you do tomorrow?
When will she finish her homework?
Where will they live in the future?

How the Will Future Tense Expresses the Future

The Will Future Tense is used to express various meanings and situations:

1. Predictions and assumptions: We use this tense to talk about future events that are likely to happen based on our predictions or assumptions. For example:

I think it will rain tomorrow.
She believes she will succeed in her exam.
They are confident they will win the competition.

2. Offers, promises, and decisions made at the moment of speaking: The Will Future Tense is used to make offers, promises, or decisions at the moment of speaking. For example:

I will help you with your project.
She will call you later.
They will decide on the plan tomorrow.

3. Future actions without a specific time reference: The Will Future Tense is also used to talk about future actions or states without specifying a particular time. For example:

I will travel the world someday.
She will learn to play the piano.
They will find a solution to the problem.

It's important to note that the Will Future Tense does not require a specific time expression like "tomorrow" or "next week." It is used to discuss general future events or actions.

Mastering this tense is essential for effective communication in English. With practice and understanding its various uses, you can confidently express future actions and make predictions in English.

Now, let's test your understanding of the "will" future tense with a quick exercise:

____________ (you/go) to the party tomorrow?

No, I ____________ (not attend) the party.

____________ (she/start) her new job next month?

Yes, she ____________ (begin) her new job in July.

Leemeta, help me (click here)!

Will you go, will not attend, Will she start, will begin

And before you run out to your autumn break, make sure to check out the weather forecast:

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for an uproarious summer weather forecast that will leave you in stitches! In the coming weeks, there will be an unforgettable twist to the weather patterns. Imagine a day when the sun will play hide-and-seek with fluffy clouds, peeking out and showering us with bursts of giggles. You won't need an umbrella but keep your laughter ready!

Hold onto your hats because we're expecting gusts of wind that will transform into mischievous characters. They will delight in tickling your nose, rearranging your hair, and even attempting to swipe your ice cream cones. Don't worry; they mean no harm, just a lot of laughs!

Get ready for the grand finale—the thunderstorms of laughter! Lightning bolts will crackle with comic timing, and thunder will erupt in contagious fits of giggles. It will be the perfect excuse to gather with friends and family, sharing humorous tales and creating cherished memories.

So, my friends, prepare yourselves for a summer filled with whimsical surprises. From the playful sun to the mischievous wind and the thunderous laughter, each day will bring hilarious moments that will brighten your spirits and create unforgettable joy. Embrace the whimsy and let the laughter of this summer's weather forecast be your soundtrack for an unforgettable season!