How to form the Future Simple: table
will + the base form, the same for all persons — no -s and no to. Short forms: I’ll, she’ll; negative: won’t.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Positive | She will (she’ll) help you. |
| Negative | She won’t help you. |
| Question | Will she help you? |
| Short answer | Yes, she will. / No, she won’t. |
| Offer with shall | Shall I open the window? |
Today shall with I and we is mostly used for offers and suggestions: Shall we go?
When to use the Future Simple
Decisions made at the moment of speaking
It’s cold. I’ll close the window.
decided just now
I’ll have the soup, please.
Promises, offers and requests
I won’t tell anyone, I promise.
I’ll help you with your bags.
Will you marry me?
Predictions based on opinion
Often with I think, I’m sure, probably, maybe.
I think you will love this film.
She’ll probably be late.
Future facts
I will be 30 next year.
Will, be going to or the Present Continuous?
English has several ways to talk about the future; the choice depends on when the decision was made and how fixed the plan is. Practise in the will or going to quiz.
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| will + V1 | instant decision, promise, opinion | I’ll call her now. |
| be going to + V1 | intention decided earlier | I’m going to call her tonight. |
| be going to + V1 | prediction with present evidence | Look at the clouds! It’s going to rain. |
| Present Continuous | fixed arrangement | I’m meeting her at 7. |
| Present Simple | timetable | The train leaves at 7:15. |
No will after when and if
In time and condition clauses (after when, if, before, after, as soon as, until) we use the Present Simple for the future. Will goes only in the main clause.
I’ll call you when I get home.
not “when I will get”
If it rains, we won’t go to the beach.
Common mistakes
What learners of English often say. On the left — the mistake, on the right — the correct version.
Wrong:
I will to call you.Right: I will call you.
No to after will.
Wrong:
She wills come.Right: She will come.
Will never takes -s.
Wrong:
I’ll call you when I will arrive.Right: I’ll call you when I arrive.
After when / if use the Present Simple.
Wrong:
I will meet Max tonight — we booked a table.Right: I’m meeting Max tonight — we booked a table.
A fixed arrangement: Present Continuous.
Wrong:
Look at those clouds! It will rain.Right: Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain.
Evidence right now: going to.
Check yourself
Quiz: Will vs going to
12 questions with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up.
I’ll help · I’m going to help