Reference Centre
Language, when you need it
Search concise B2 First grammar, vocabulary, functional phrases and exam strategy — without leaving the course to hunt through past lessons.
Practise thisOpen cloze — grammar words under pressureKey word transformations — 10 extra itemsCommon errors — spot and fixExtra Practice
What it is
English has no single future tense. You choose a form to show how you see the future event: prediction, intention, arrangement or timetable.
Form
| Type | Pattern | Model sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | will + V · am/is/are going to + V · am/is/are + V-ing | I'll help you. / I'm going to apply. / I'm seeing the dentist at four. |
| Negative | won't + V · am/is/are not going to + V | It won't take long. / She isn't going to accept. |
| Question | Will + subject + V? / Are + subject + going to + V? | Will you be there? / Are you going to tell him? |
| Short answer | Yes, subject + will. / No, subject + won't. | Yes, I will. / No, I won't. |
| Continuous / perfect | will be + V-ing · will have + V3 | This time tomorrow I'll be flying. / By June I'll have finished. |
Use it when
- Instant decision, offer or promise → will.
- Plan already decided, or evidence you can see → be going to.
- Fixed arrangement with another person → present continuous.
- Timetable or schedule → present simple.
- In progress at a future moment → will be V-ing; finished by then → will have V3.
Examples
- That bag looks heavy — I'll carry it.— instant offer
- We're going to redecorate the kitchen.— decided plan
- I'm meeting the landlord on Thursday.— arrangement
- The ferry leaves at 07:15.— timetable
- By the time you land, I'll have collected the keys.
Watch out
I will meet Ana tomorrow at six — it's arranged.
I'm meeting Ana tomorrow at six.
Fixed arrangements take the present continuous.
When I will see her, I'll tell her.
When I see her, I'll tell her.
No will after time words such as when, as soon as, until, before.
Remember
Already decided → going to. Deciding as you speak → will.
Quick check
- 1.Look at those clouds — it ___ (rain).
- 2.By 2030 most cars ___ (go) electric.