There are different ways to talk about the future. They depend on how certain you are about what is going to happen in the future.
- Use the Present Continuous if you are really sure something is going to happen. It shows your plans for the future.
I am having lunch with my grandparents on Sunday.
Sandra is studying for the test with Tania on Friday afternoon.
Denis and I are presenting at the dance contest tomorrow.
Click here to practice the use of the Present Continuous for future arrangements.
- Use be + going to to express resolutins, plans, intentions. Use it also when there is evidence that something is going to happen soon.
I am going to change my car next month.
My wife and I are going to celebrate our tenth anniversary in Rio in October.
Tina is going to wear a red dress to the graduation party.
Click here to practice the use of be+going to.
- Use will to make predictions about the future. It indicates what you think will happen, but there is not evidence.
In the future more people will use computers to work from home.
Cars will pollute less in the future.
Bill says he will be president of the country one day.
Click here to practice the use of will.
So, to talk about the future, first see how sure you are. Very sure, use Present Continuous. For resolutions and if there is evidence, use Be+going+to. And to make predictions about the future, when there isn't evidence, use will.
There are more links to exercises in the Teens 6 e-folder on Thomas website.
