Do you feel confident talking about the future in English?
You could argue there is no future tense in English. Instead, we use a combination of different verb forms depending on how we are talking about what’s to come. We commonly associate the verb will with talking about the future, but it’s not quite as simple as that. Will is a modal verb. If you study English, you will know modal verbs in English can have several different functions.Read on if you want to find out more.
When do we use the verb ‘will’ in English?
One common use of will is to talk about things that we believe (but aren’t 100% sure about). It can be used to talk about the present, and the future:
“Where’s Jim? Is he here?”
“No, it’s only 4pm, I think he will be at the office.”
If we leave at 7 A.M, I hope we will have enough time to get there.
Another example of this is when we make predictions about the future:
Jason predicts his company profits will grow by 5% next year.
Jin doesn’t want to visit Spain in August - it’ll (it will) be too crowded.
We can also use will to make offers, promises and requests.
Come over later, I’ll (I will) help you with your presentation.
I promise I will come to your party on Saturday.
Will you let me know what time the meeting ends?
We can also use will to express our determination to do something.
I will finish this job application today, even if I have to stay up all night!
Another use of will is when we decide something as we are speaking - a good example of this is when you are deciding what to eat in a restaurant:
“What would you like to order?”
“Uhm.. I will have the vegetable curry.”
If model verbs confuse you, it may help to take a face-to-face English class for adults with an expert teacher who can answer your specific questions. You can find classes here: https://www.britishcouncil.sg/english-courses/adults
Common grammar errors using will in English conversation
When we first study English, we often learn will is used to talk about the future - but a common way to talk about the future is to talk about fixed plans. For that, we don’t usually use will -- Instead we use the present continuous or (be) going to:
This weekend I will go to my grandmother’s house by the beach. ｘ
This weekend I’m going to my grandmother’s house by the beach. ✓
Another common error is to use will after words like when, as soon as, before and after and if.
When I will be eighty, I will be living in a beautiful house by the sea.ｘ
When I am eighty, I will be living in a beautiful house by the sea. ✓
Call me as soon as you will get home.ｘ
Call me as soon as you get home.✓
Although these words refer to the future, we use them in the present tense.
Famous songs and movies that use ‘will’
Who hasn’t danced to disco anthem I Will Survive, telling us about Gloria Gaynor’s determination to carry on, despite a difficult break up?
Love will tear us apart is another classic pop hit, where the band Joy Division contemplate a relationship in trouble.
Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis star in Won’t Back Down, a 2012 film about determined women who decide to improve a failing school, to help their children.
Mini Quiz
Can you find and correct the errors in these sentences?
- Jodie thinks the cake won’t be very nice.
- Josh is going to clean the flat before they will arrive.
- Ahmad will to be your tour guide today - he can answer any questions you have.
- Tonight I will go to the cinema with my friend. We will meet at 8pm
- Are you Ok? I help you with that heavy bag.
Answers:
- Jodie doesn’t think the cake will be very nice.
- Josh is going to clean the flat before they arrive.
- Ahmad will be your tour guide today - he can answer any questions you have.
- Tonight I’m going to the cinema with my friend. We’re meeting at 8pm
- Are you Ok? I’ll help you with that heavy bag.