4 Futures

1 A - Present

4A - Going to + V(infinitive)

Event already scheduled – 95%

1) Intentions / desires / wants

2) Predictions based on facts, experience, 75% educated guess

1 B - Present Progressive

4B - Will + V(Infinitive)

Activity already planned – 90%

1) No plan
2) Predictions based on NO facts, NO experience 50%, guess

(*) will + be, 99.99% – making a promise

1A - PRESENT

Situation: Future Already Scheduled

(95% probability, calendar, meeting, appointment, holidays, reservations, vacation)
– Form: V(infinitive); (*) 3rd pers sing -> “s”
– Auxiliary: (+) not needed, (?,-) do/does, etc

– Usage: The Present can be used to talk about scheduled future events. This often applies to
things like meetings, reservations, timetables, or events that are already on a fixed schedule. It
implies that the future event is certain and planned.. We focus on the WHEN, WHERE , of the
already schedule event.

– Examples:
– The train leaves at 6 PM.
– The conference starts at 9 AM tomorrow.
– Her flight leaves at 6 o’clock next Thursday.
– The store opens at 8 AM every Saturday.
– I see my dentist Monday at 9am.

– – –

1B - PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

Situation: Future Already Planned

(90% probability, already organized and agreed upon)

– Form: Verb: V+(ING)

– Auxiliary: to be in the Present -> am / are / is

– Usage: The Present Progressive can indicate future already planned or arrangements. It’s

commonly used for actions that are already decided and scheduled, often with a clear intention

and sometimes specific time. We focus on the WHY, WHO, HOW, WHAT, WHICH, etc of the already

planned event.

– Examples:

– “We are meeting the clients next Monday to present our new product line.

– She is having lunch with her boss tomorrow to discuss Q3.

– They are moving to Toronto next month.

– He’s coming with Peter to the lake.

– What are you doing tonight?

– – –

4A - GOING TO + VERB(INFINITIVE)

Situations: 1) Intentions 2) Predictions
– Form: Verb(infinitive)
– Auxiliary 1: To Be in the Present -> am / are / is (agrees with the subject)
– Auxiliary 2: going to

– Usage: This construction is used for expressing future intentions, desires, hopes or wants that
are likely to happen, as well as predictions based on current facts, evidence or experience.

Situation 1): Intentions / wants:

– Examples:
– I am going to start a new project next week.
– We are going to visit the museum this weekend.
– She is going to learn French next year.

Situation 2): Predictions based on facts, evidence or experience
(75% probability, educated guess):

– Examples:
– Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain soon.
– He is going to be late; he just left home.
– The baby is going to cry; he looks very upset.

– – –

4B - WILL + VERB(INFINITIVE)

1. Will + Verb for Future Situation: on the spot Decisions, Predictions, Promises

– Form: Verb(infinitive)
– Auxiliary: will

– Usage: This form is used for decisions made at the moment of speaking, spontaneous
promises, ofers, and predictions without evidence (just speculation). It’s also used for general
future predictions and promises.

Situation 1) : Future NOT planned

– Usage: Decisions made at the moment of speaking (I think, probably, etc):

– Examples:
– I will order a pizza for dinner.
– The car isn’t working! We will take a taxi to the airport.
– Sorry, she’s not available. She will call you back in a minute.
– Don’t call us, we’ll call you (ouch…)

Situation 2): General Predictions based on NO facts, NO evidence or NO experience
(50% probability, complete guess):

– Examples:
– I think it will snow tomorrow.
– This book will become a bestseller.
– The team will win the championship.
– We will rock you! (boom, boom, tsh)

(*) Will + be – Situation: Promise
(99.99% probability, I will do everything in my power to accomplish … ):
– Form: will + be

– Examples:
– I’ll be there for you. (These five words from me to you – Bon Jovi)
– We will be finished by the time you arrive, I promise.
– She will be the next champion, I gave her me word.
– I’ll be back (… start running!)

– – –

These tenses highlight how each future form functions in diferent situations:
Present is used for already scheduled events,
Present Progressive for already planned actions,
(be) going to V(infinitive) for intentions and predictions based on evidence, and
Will + V(infinitive) for on the moment decisions, general predictions, and promises.