Future Time Reference: Part One


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What verb tense do we use to refer to the future? 

Before we begin, you might want to reference our lesson, " What Is the Difference between a Verb Tense and a Time Reference?"

How Do We Refer to the Future?

There are a number of ways to indicate future time reference. Although each type refers to the future, there are differences between them.

  1. from the reference point of the present

  2. from the reference point of the past

From the reference point of the present


"am/is/are going to + [base form of the verb]

Here, we are using present progressive verb tense of the verb "go" + an infinitive phrase.

  • The doctor told me, "Don't worry.  Everything is going to be fine."

  • She said, "You are going to have the same problem."

  • At this time, we discuss what we are going to do in the next few days.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Present continuous tense normally refers to an action taking place in the present.  If you are using the present continuous tense to refer to the future and it is unclear from the context whether this sentence refers to a present or a future event, add a time reference (in an hour, tomorrow, later today, tonight, next week, etc.) to clarify.

  • Next week my daughter is graduating from college."

THE MODAL "WILL"

  • I will never forget the doctor who saved my daughter's life.

  • She said, "You will have the same problem."

  • Tomorrow will be nerve-wracking and there will probably be a test in class.

SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

Simple present tense normally refers to an action taking place in the present.  However, it can be used as a future time reference: If you are using the simple present tense to refer to the future, add a time reference (in an hour, tomorrow, later today, tonight, next week, etc.) to clarify.

  • My daughter leaves for college this coming Sunday.

  • I have a test in one hour.

SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE IN A COMPLEX SENTENCE

When the subordinate clause refers to the future, you can use the simple present tense  for both clauses

  • I hope that our country becomes modern.

  • If Adam joins the militia, then there is a chance that he will die.

SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE IN A COMPLEX SENTENCE: Conditional Sentences

When the "if" clause is in the future, use simple present tense for the "if" - the subordinate - clause and the "then" - the main - clause.

  • If Adam joins the militia, then there is a chance that he will die.

THE MODAL "SHALL"

The use of shall to indicate the future exists primarily in Great Britain.

  • What shall we do now?

Next Lesson...

In our next lesson, we teach How to Refer to the Future from the Point of View of the Past

So from the ESL Help Desk, thanks for dropping by for this lesson and remember to email us your questions about English grammar by way of our blog. 

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