the Present Future 

 Future Expressions in English

The "Present Future" and the Future in English

Time can be a difficult and unreliable construct in the English language. We see the past as being "behind us", the present as being "now", and the future as being far away, over the horizon. In English grammar, however, it becomes extremely blurry to know what "now" and what "later" is.

Actually, grammatically speaking, many linguists would tell you that English has no 'true', inflectional future tense like they do in Spanish or French (where there is an actual verb ending). In fact, the ways in which we have evolved in English to talk about the future mostly involves modal verbs and, rather curiously, the present tense. When we start to try and explain what the future is doing at the present time, we begin talking about what is sometimes called the Present Future matrix.

It's knowing how to move around and in these structures that will make you natural, exact and ultimately, fluid. We'll have a look at four main types of present/future structures.

1.Pure Future - The factor 'Will'(Future Simple)

It is common knowledge that 'will' is usually the first auxiliary verb people think of when discussing the future. The word 'will' links a present utterance or decision to a future occurrence.

The Form

S + /is/are/am + going to + Form of (the Verb)

 

When We Should Use It

Instant decisions at the moment of speaking.

Predicting what we think is going to happen, with no evidence, on gut feeling.
Offering help or making a promise or a threat: We make the decision to do this at the very moment of utterance.

Contextual Examples

The phone is ringing. I will answer it. (instant decision)
I think it is going to rain tomorrow but, who can really say? (prediction on instinct)
Don't you worry about a thing. I will give you all the help you need with the move over the weekend. (offer/promise)

2. The Present Intention: "Going To"

The 'be going to' construction is what connects the present reality to its future outcome. It's when we're using the present form of 'be' with a participle and telling our listener that the seeds of the future are already set in the present.

Structure

Subject + am/is/are + going to + Base Form of the Verb

When to use

Prior Plans & Intentions: In order to express a plan that you've already thought about. The plan is already there in your mind.

Predictions based on present evidence: When you can see, hear, or feel something right now that guarantees a future outcome.

Contextual Examples

We are going to buy a new car next month; we've already started saving. (Prior plan)

Look at those dark, heavy clouds! It is going to rain. (Prediction based on clear, present evidence)

Careful! That ladder looks unstable. You are going to fall! (Immediate present evidence).

3. THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS

This is where "Present Future" starts to become a real phenomenon. The Present Continuous form is ordinarily used to express present time. When linked with a future time frame however, it conveys an arrangement or an appointment, it becomes a finalized and concrete commitment.

Structure

Subject + am/is/are + Verb (-ing) + Future Time Marker

When to use

Fixed Arrangements: This is where something is booked. You are not going to just think about doing it or deciding to do it; the task has been arranged with another person and is practically done.

Context examples

I am meeting the CEO at 10 AM tomorrow. (The meeting is in both of our calendars)

They are flying to Paris this Friday. (The tickets are bought; the bags are likely packed)

We are having dinner with the Smiths tonight. (A confirmed social arrangement)

4. THE SIMPLE PRESENT FOR TIMETABLED EVENTS

Can you actually use the plainest English (Simple Present) form to talk about future time? Yes, you certainly can. This applies to things that are tied to a timetable or official program.

Structure

Subject + Base Verb (+ -s/-es if third person singular) + Future Time Frame

When to use

Public Timetables: This includes things that happen by an official schedule such as transport timetables, movie listings, school terms and official schedules of any kind. These are actions over which we have no control and that occur predictably.

Context examples

The train leaves at 6:30 PM tonight. (Official railway timetable)

The semester starts next Monday. (Official academic calendar)

What time does the movie begin? (Fixed theater schedule)

"Will" vs. "Going To" vs. "Present Continuous"

Consider these three scenarios:

1. "I will clear my car tomorrow." (This sounds like a spontaneous promise you just thought of, or a sudden burst of determination.)

2. "I am going to clear my car tomorrow." (This is your intention. You've been meaning to do it, and tomorrow is the day.)

3. "I am clearing my car tomorrow." (This sounds like a scheduled event. Perhaps your office is being painted, or you have specifically blocked out your calendar for this task.)

Quick Reference Comparison Table

ADVICE:

The present future has not so much to do with the memorization of strict rules as with understanding the intention and certainty involved. A fixed, public, scheduled event is simply in the present. An arrangement that is written in concrete on the calendar of your life is going to be in the continuous form. A deeply laid, firmly established plan is going to be 'going to do'. An improvised decision or a prediction about the future made on the fly is best