Future Indefinite(Simple) Tense: How to Use It, With Examples
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What is the future Indefinite(Simple) tense?
The future Indefinite tense is a verb tense used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. It is also known as the Indefinite future tense. In this tense, the verb form typically includes the word "will" followed by the base form of the verb. For example, "I will go to the store tomorrow."
When to use the future Indefinite tense?
You use the future Indefinite tense to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. This tense is often used to make:
1. PredictionsThe future Indefinite tense is commonly used to make predictions about the future. For example:● It will rain tomorrow.● They will win the game.● She will become a doctor.
2. Spontaneous DecisionsThe future Indefinite tense can also be used to describe spontaneous decisions made in the present about the future. For example:● I forgot my lunch, so I will buy something to eat.● They can't find their keys, so they will take a taxi.● She doesn't have a ride, so she will walk.
3. Promises and OffersThe future Indefinite tense can be used to make promises or offers about the future. For example:● I will call you later tonight.● They will help you with your project.● She will lend you her car.
4. Scheduled EventsThe future Indefinite tense can be used to describe scheduled events in the future. For example:● The train will arrive at 10 am tomorrow.● They will have a meeting at 2 pm on Monday.● She will attend a concert next weekend.
How to form the future Indefinite tense?
To form the future Indefinite tense in English, we typically use the auxiliary verb "will" or "shall" (which are often contracted to 'll) with the base form of the main verb.
Subject + will/shall + base form of the main verb (e.g. "I will go")
Note: "Shall" is less commonly used than "will" in modern English, but it is still used in some cases, particularly in formal contexts or when making suggestions.
Here are some examples:● Positive statement: "I will study for the exam tomorrow."● Negative statement: "She will not be here for the meeting."● Question: "Will you come to the party tonight?"
How to make a negative form?
To make the negative form of the future Indefinite tense, you use the word "not" after the auxiliary verb "will". The formula is:
Subject + will not (won't) + base form of the verb
For example:● I will not (won't) go to the party tonight.● She will not (won't) study for the exam tomorrow.● They will not (won't) buy a new car next year.
Note that "won't" is a contraction of "will not" and is commonly used in spoken English.
How to make questions?
To make a question in the future Indefinite tense, you should use the auxiliary verb "will" at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the subject and the base form of the verb:
● Will you come to the party tomorrow?● Will they finish their project on time?● Will she study abroad next semester?
If the sentence has a question word (such as "what," "where," "when," "why," "how," etc.), the question word should be placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the auxiliary verb "will," the subject, and the base form of the verb:
● What will you do after work today?● Where will they go on vacation this year?● How will she get to the airport tomorrow?
What is the difference between the future Indefinite and present continuous tenses?
The future Indefinite tense is used to talk about actions or events that will happen at a specific time in the future, while the present continuous tense is used to talk about actions or events that are happening at the time of speaking or are planned to happen in the near future.
For example:● Future Indefinite: I will meet my friend at 6 PM tomorrow.● Present continuous: I am meeting my friend at 6 PM tomorrow.
In the future Indefinite, the verb is in its base form and is preceded by "will". In the present continuous, the verb "to be" is conjugated in the present tense and is followed by the present participle of the main verb.
Can I use "will" and "shall" interchangeably in the future Indefinite tense?
"Will" and "shall" can be used interchangeably to form the future Indefinite tense. However, "shall" is less common in modern English and is usually only used with the pronouns "I" and "we". In most cases, "will" is used for all subjects. Here are some examples:
● I will/shall visit my grandparents tomorrow.● You will visit your grandparents tomorrow.● He will visit his grandparents tomorrow.● We will/shall visit our grandparents tomorrow.● They will visit their grandparents tomorrow.
As you can see, both "will" and "shall" can be used to express future actions, but "shall" is not as commonly used as "will".
What are some common time expressions used with the future Indefinite tense?
There are several time expressions that are commonly used with the future Indefinite tense, including:
● Tomorrow● Next week/month/year● In the future● Soon● Later● By [specific time or date]● In [specific amount of time]● At [specific time]
For example:● I will go to the beach tomorrow.● They will move to a new apartment next month.● She will become a doctor in the future.● We will have lunch soon.● He will call you later.● She will finish her project by Friday.● They will arrive in two hours.● I will meet you at 7 p.m.
Future tense examples
1. I will go to the gym tomorrow.2. She will graduate from college next year.3. They will visit their grandparents over the weekend.4. We will have a party on Saturday night.5. He will buy a new car next month.6. The concert will start at 8 pm.7. She will finish her project by the end of the week.8. I will call you later this afternoon.9. They will travel to Europe next summer.10. He will study for his exams all weekend.11. The concert will start at 8 pm.12. I will call you when I arrive at the airport.13. She will graduate from college next year.14. They will take a trip to Europe next summer.15. He will finish his book by the end of this month.16. We will have dinner together tomorrow.17. The company will launch a new product next quarter.18. She will buy a new car once she saves enough money.19. He will be promoted to a higher position at work.20. They will attend the conference in New York next week.21. Will you go to the party with me?22. Shall we meet at the park tomorrow morning?23. Will they arrive on time for the meeting?24. What will you do if it rains?25. Will you be able to finish the project by next week?26. Shall I book a table at the restaurant for tonight?27. Will the train be delayed due to the weather?28. What time will the concert start?29. Will you need a ride to the airport?30. Shall we watch a movie after dinner tonight?