Lecture 13 Means of Expressing Future Time Teaching objectives To know the means of expressing future time. To master the usage of means used to express future time.

Introduction: In its long history, English has not developed a special verb form that might be rightly labeled future tense corresponding to the time/aspect parallel for present and past.

When we say that English has no future tense, we certainly do not mean that English has not the means of expressing future time.

Instead there are a number of constructions that can be used to denote futurity in English. The present lecture will deal with these future expressions.

1.Constructions denoting future time In English, future time is expressed by means of modal auxiliaries, by semi-auxiliaries, or by the simple present and present progressive forms.

(1) will/shall + infinitive will with subjects of all three persons, shall with a first person are used to indicate futurity. The future meanings are often colored by modal meanings from predication to intention and willingness.

eg. You will feel better after taking this medicine eg. You will feel better after taking this medicine. I’m sure I shan’t lose my way in the woods. I promise to pay back in time, but he won’t lend it to me.

55．Which of the following sentences expresses WILLINGNESS 55．Which of the following sentences expresses WILLINGNESS? 　　A．By now she will be eating dinner． B．I shall never do that again． 　　C．My brother will help you with the luggage． D．You shall get a promotion． 表达willingness的句子

60．Which of the following best explains the meaning of“Shall we buy the tickets first”? 　　A．He said that we were going to buy the tickets first． 　　B．He requested that we buy the tickets first． 　　C．He suggested that we buy the tickets first． 　　D．He advised us to buy the tickets first． 考察助动词用法

(2) will / shall + progressive / perfective infinitive (3) be going to + infinitive (4) present progressive

be to + infinitive (6) simple present

2. Means of expressing past future Would + infinitive Was / were going to + infinitive Was / were to + infinitive Past progressive and simple past Was / were about to + infinitive

Exercise in the Textbook Assignment Exercise in the Textbook