Theory Introduction

Future Indefinite is formed with the auxiliaries will and shall (for the first person singular and plural) and bare infinitive.

Notes: 1) First personwill and shall.

Shall is no longer common in conversation, but it is still found in formal English. We can say:

2) Americans do not normally use shall for the future.

We will contact you. I will answer these questions.

The Future Indefinite tense is used:

1. for a sudden decision to do something.

There isn’t any bread left. – Oh, I’ll buy some.

The phone is ringing. – I will answer it.

2. to make a decision, intention, promise.

I’ll buy a dictionary tomorrow.

I will give you a bicycle for your birthday, my boy.

3. to make a statement of a future fact or a prediction about the future.

Tomorrow’s program will be very interesting.

I don’t know if I shall see you next week.

4. to express hopes, thoughts, expectations about the future (But: after hope the present with the future reference is possible.)

I think it’ll rain tomorrow.

I hope you’ll come and see us again. (also: I hope he phones soon).

5. to make a request, invitation.

Will you show me how to get onto the Internet?

Will you have lunch with us on Sunday?

6. to express the idea of willingness to do something.

I’ll do it for you. (promise)

I’ll look after the children. (offer)

7. in the main part of the sentences containing clauses of condition (Type I) and time.

I’ll phone you when I get home.

If I get that job, I’ll earn a lot of money.

8. for future habitual action.

Spring will come again and birds will build their nests.

9. to make formal announcement of future plans and to present weather forecast.

The President will deliver his message in a week.

Rain will continue throughout the week.

10. to express refusal: I won’t/shan’t do it. I won’t … is a strong refusal.

I won’t listen to any more of this nonsense.

Notes:

1.Shallis used in question tags after “Let’s”.

Let’s wait, shall we?

2. Shall I/we(he, she, they) is used in the question-form to make offers or suggestions or to ask for suggestions, advice, instructions.

What shall I do? Shall I read the text?

Shall we take a taxi?

3. Shall is used to express threat.

Stop that or I shall call the police.

4. Will is used in question tags of imperative sentences, and in question tags after “Let”.

Open the window, will/won’t you?

Don’t go there, will you?

Let me do this, will/won’t you?

Futurewithbe going tois used:

1. to talk about a future situation which already has signs or causes in the present.

Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain.

2. to talk about intentions concerning things already decided.

She is going to knit a jumper; she’s already bought some wool.

3. to express firm determination, intention in the near future, prediction.

I’m going to meet Tim at the station at six.

Also: I am going to be working all day tomorrow, so I won’t have time to do the shopping.

Notes:

1) The Present Continuous is used for the future to express a planned action, an arrangement.

They are leaving for England tomorrow. I’m seeing them off at the airport at 6 o’clock.

2) Very often there is more than one possible form that could be used for the future.

Practice

Teaching Models

Ex. 1.Read and translate the text paying attention to the verb forms used for future actions.

Oh, Summer!

This is my last year at college, so I’ll be leaving in June. And I’ve already got a job! In September I’m starting work at a bank in London. So I’ll be free for most of the summer. I’m going to spend six weeks travelling around the US. My friend Vicki is coming with me. She finishes college at the same time with me. We’re really looking forward to the trip. We are going to Canada too. Vicki’s friend in Toronto is going to take us round the city. I hope we’ll have a good time there. I think we’ll come back to England at the end of August. My work is due to begin in September.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 918