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Questions and Answers
Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of 'will' to express a prediction?
Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of 'will' to express a prediction?
- I'll phone you when I arrive.
- I'm seeing the headmaster on Monday.
- I shall go to the store later.
- It will be cold tomorrow. (correct)
In subordinate clauses, 'will' is typically used to indicate future actions.
In subordinate clauses, 'will' is typically used to indicate future actions.
False (B)
Provide an example of a sentence using 'going to' to make a prediction based on external evidence.
Provide an example of a sentence using 'going to' to make a prediction based on external evidence.
See those clouds? It's going to rain.
In legal documents, the word _______ is often used to express obligations or duties.
In legal documents, the word _______ is often used to express obligations or duties.
Match the following sentences with their implied meaning or usage:
Match the following sentences with their implied meaning or usage:
Which of the following sentences uses 'will' to express certainty about a present situation?
Which of the following sentences uses 'will' to express certainty about a present situation?
The use of 'shall' instead of 'will' is more common in American English than in British English.
The use of 'shall' instead of 'will' is more common in American English than in British English.
Provide an example sentence using the future perfect tense.
Provide an example sentence using the future perfect tense.
'Will' is often used to express conditional ideas, indicating what ________ happen if something else occurs.
'Will' is often used to express conditional ideas, indicating what ________ happen if something else occurs.
Which of the following sentences correctly uses the present progressive to refer to the future because the arrangement already exists?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses the present progressive to refer to the future because the arrangement already exists?
When an event in the future is already decided, it is generally appropriate to use 'will'.
When an event in the future is already decided, it is generally appropriate to use 'will'.
Give an example of a situation where 'will' is preferred for making predictions because there is no obvious outside evidence.
Give an example of a situation where 'will' is preferred for making predictions because there is no obvious outside evidence.
When giving information about official itineraries, _________ is often used rather than present forms.
When giving information about official itineraries, _________ is often used rather than present forms.
According to the provided text, which of the following is NOT a typical use of 'will'?
According to the provided text, which of the following is NOT a typical use of 'will'?
The phrase 'will you...?' always introduces an order or request, regardless of the verb used.
The phrase 'will you...?' always introduces an order or request, regardless of the verb used.
How do we express future actions in a subordinate clause? Provide an example.
How do we express future actions in a subordinate clause? Provide an example.
Using 'will' expresses an intention or prediction, whereas 'going to' suggests ______.
Using 'will' expresses an intention or prediction, whereas 'going to' suggests ______.
Which sentence best demonstrates the use of 'will have' to express certainty about the past?
Which sentence best demonstrates the use of 'will have' to express certainty about the past?
The use of both 'will' and 'going to' is never possible in the same situation.
The use of both 'will' and 'going to' is never possible in the same situation.
What is the general structure to talk about the future?
What is the general structure to talk about the future?
In contracts and other legal documents, ______ is often used with third-person subjects to refer to obligations and duties.
In contracts and other legal documents, ______ is often used with third-person subjects to refer to obligations and duties.
In what context does the text suggest that using 'we are going to' is appropriate rather than 'we will'?
In what context does the text suggest that using 'we are going to' is appropriate rather than 'we will'?
Using 'will' always explicitly shows the listener something obvious about the predicition.
Using 'will' always explicitly shows the listener something obvious about the predicition.
What is the structure of the future perfect tense?
What is the structure of the future perfect tense?
We prefer ____ for predictions when there is not such obvious outside evidence.
We prefer ____ for predictions when there is not such obvious outside evidence.
Flashcards
Will + Infinitive
Will + Infinitive
Used to give information or predictions about the future.
Conditional 'Will'
Conditional 'Will'
Expresses conditional ideas; what will happen if something else does.
Future Events Already Decided
Future Events Already Decided
Present forms like present progressive, when future events are already decided.
Subordinate Clauses (Future)
Subordinate Clauses (Future)
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Present Forms (Future Events)
Present Forms (Future Events)
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'Going to' (Predictions)
'Going to' (Predictions)
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'Will' (Predictions)
'Will' (Predictions)
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'Will' (Official Arrangements)
'Will' (Official Arrangements)
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'Will' (Predictions as Orders)
'Will' (Predictions as Orders)
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Will you...?
Will you...?
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Will (Certainty)
Will (Certainty)
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"Shall" (Obligation)
"Shall" (Obligation)
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Future Perfect
Future Perfect
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Study Notes
Future Tense Using "Will"
- "Will" + infinitive (without "to") gives information or asks about the future (e.g., "It will be cold tomorrow.").
- Contractions like "I'll," "you'll," and "won't" are common.
- British English sometimes uses "shall" with "I" and "we" instead of "will," though this is now rare, especially in American English.
Predictions with "Will"
- "Will" is used to make predictions or talk about future events based on what we think, guess, or calculate (e.g., "Tomorrow will be warm").
- Example: "Karen will start work some time next week."
- Example: "In another thirteen minutes the alarm will go off."
Conditional Sentences Using "Will"
- "Will" expresses conditional ideas, indicating what will happen if something else occurs (e.g., "You'll fall if you're not careful.").
- Example: "He’ll have an accident if he goes on driving like that."
- Example: "If the weather's fine, we'll have the party in the garden."
Alternatives to "Will" for Pre-Planned Events
- For future events that are already decided or seem inevitable, present progressive or "going to" forms are often preferred (e.g., "I'm seeing the headmaster on Monday.”).
- Example: "My sister's going to have a baby."
Restriction on "Will" in Subordinate Clauses
- In subordinate clauses (introduced by words like "when," "if," etc.), present tenses are generally used instead of "will" (e.g., "I'll phone you when I arrive").
"Will," "Going to," and Present Progressive – Nuances
Present Reality and Future Forms
- Prefer present forms (present progressive or "going to…") when future events have a present reality (an existing arrangement or decision).
- Example: I'm seeing Jessica on Tuesday, and we're going to get a new car.
Predictions Based on Evidence
- “Going to” is used when predictions are based on external evidence (e.g., black clouds suggesting rain).
- Example: "See those clouds? It's going to rain."
- "Will" is favored when predictions are based on internal thoughts, knowledge, or beliefs (e.g., "I reckon it'll cost about £3,000").
- Example: "Don't lend him your car. He's a terrible driver – he'll crash it."
Overlap Between "Will" and Present Forms
- "Will" and present forms (especially "going to") can both work when elements of intention or fixed arrangement exist, but aren't a priority.
- "What will you do next year?" is an open question, while "What are you doing next year?" emphasizes a fixed arrangement.
- Both “All the family will be there” and “All the family are going to be there” are possible
Strong Intentions
- Both "going to…” and stressed "will" can express a strong intention or determination (e.g., "I'm really going to stop smoking!" or "I really will stop smoking!").
“Will” for Formal Arrangements
- "Will" is favored over present forms when providing details about impersonal, fixed arrangements like official itineraries.
- Example: The Princess will arrive at the airport at 14.00.
Predictions as Orders
- Predictions can act as commands, especially in military contexts, by stating firmly what will happen.
- Examples: "The regiment will attack at dawn," "You will start work at six o'clock sharp."
Questioning Using "Will"
"Will You...?" for Information
- "Will you...?" (with a verb referring to a state) asks for information (e.g., "How soon will you know your travel dates?").
"Will You...?" for Orders
- "Will you...?" (with a verb referring to an action) usually issues an order or request (e.g., "Will you turn off that music!").
Planned actions
- Present continuous (are you doing) can ask about planned actions
Expressing certainty in the Present or Past Using "Will"
- "Will" can express certainty or strong probability about a situation in the present (e.g., "That'll be the electrician").
- "Will have…" implies certainty about something in the past.
- Example: "It's no use expecting Barry to turn up. He'll have forgotten."
Formal Obligations Indicated by "Shall"
- "Shall" indicates obligations in contracts or legal documents, especially with third-person subjects (e.g., "The hirer shall be responsible for maintenance of the vehicle"), though "will," "must," or "should" are more common in everyday use.
Future Perfect Tense
- Structure: "will have" + past participle.
- This tense describes an action that will be finished by a specific time in the future (e.g., "The builders say they will have finished the roof by Tuesday.").
- The progressive form illustrates continuous activity leading up to that future time (e.g., "I'll have been teaching for twenty years this summer.").
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