Expressing Future in English

Questions and Answers

Which of the following sentences uses the correct form to express a plan or intention?

I will go to the store tomorrow.

I am going to the store tomorrow. (correct)

I going to the store tomorrow.

I go to the store tomorrow.

What is the correct way to express the idea that something is likely to happen in the future?

It should rain.

It is likely to rain. (correct)

It might rain.

It will be likely that it rains.

Which of the following sentences uses the correct form to express ability in the present?

He able to read Arabic.

He can to read Arabic.

He is able to read Arabic. (correct)

He can read Arabic. (correct)

What is the correct way to express the idea that something is not possible in the present?

He is not able to read Arabic. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences uses the correct form to express a logical assumption?

She must be at work. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to express the idea that something will happen in the future because of a present action?

I am saving money to buy a new car. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences uses the correct form to express a scheduled event?

The train arrives at 6.30 in the morning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to express the idea that something is possible in the future?

He may win the race. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences uses the correct form to express permission?

I can go to the movies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to express the idea that something is likely to happen in the past?

It might have rained. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ways of Expressing Future

Using present continuous for plans or arrangements, e.g., "We're having a tea party this afternoon."
Using present simple for something scheduled, e.g., "The train arrives at 6.30 in the morning."
Using "will" to express beliefs about the future, e.g., "I think Brazil will win the World Cup."
Using "be going to" to talk about plans and intentions, e.g., "I'm going to drive to work today."
Using "should" if we think there's a good chance of something happening, e.g., "We should be home in time for tea."

Ways of Expressing Purpose

Using "to" to express purpose, e.g., "I am saving money to buy a new car."
Using "so as not to" to express avoidance, e.g., "I'll take the taxi so as not to be late."
Using "so that" to express purpose, e.g., "He whispered so that nobody would hear him."
Using "in order to" to express purpose, e.g., "I am studying hard in order to pass the exam."
Using "for + noun/gerund" to express purpose, e.g., "She is taking Spanish classes for her job."

Ways of Expressing Ability

Using "can" to express ability, e.g., "He can read Arabic."
Using "could" to express past ability, e.g., "He could read Arabic when he was four."
Using "is able to" to express ability, e.g., "She's able to run a marathon."
Using "was able to" to express past ability, e.g., (no example provided)

Ways of Expressing Possibility

Using "can" to express possibility, e.g., "He can win the race."
Using "could" or "could have" to express possibility, e.g., "They could still be at school." or "She could have been killed in the car crash."
Using "may" or "may have" to express possibility, e.g., "Tom may be studying in his room." or "He may have spoken to Jenny yesterday."
Using "might" or "might have" to express possibility, e.g., "He might have forgotten."
Using "it is likely" or "it was likely" to express possibility, e.g., "It was likely that he had arrived the day before."

Ways of Expressing Probability

Using "should" to express probability, e.g., (no example provided)
Using "should have" to express probability, e.g., (no example provided)
Using "ought to" to express probability, e.g., (no example provided)
Using "ought to have" to express probability, e.g., (no example provided)

Ways of Expressing Logical Assumption

Using "must" to express strong possibility, e.g., "She must be working." (90% certain - positive)
Using "can't" to express strong impossibility, e.g., "She can't be over forty." (negative)
Using "couldn't" to express strong impossibility, e.g., "He couldn't be at work." (negative)
Using "must have" to express strong possibility, e.g., "She must have been working." (positive)
Using "can't have" to express strong impossibility, e.g., "She can't have stolen the money." (negative)
Using "couldn't have" to express strong impossibility, e.g., "He couldn't have been at work yesterday." (negative)

Ways of Expressing Permission

Using "can" or "can't" to express permission, e.g., "You can/can't borrow my car."
Using "could" to ask for permission, e.g., "Could I use your phone?" (more polite)
Using "may" to give permission, e.g., "You may use the phone." (formal)
Using "might" to ask for permission, e.g., "Might I speak to Mr Jones, please?" (more formal)
Using "be allowed" to express permission, e.g., "He wasn't allowed to/couldn't cross the border."