Future arrangements

Planning the Nile cruise We’re flying to Luxor to meet the boat. We’re flying to Luxor to meet the boat. The boat leaves at dawn. The boat leaves at dawn. We’ll probably find it very hot. We’ll probably find it very hot. We’re going to visit as many ancient sites as possible. We’re going to visit as many ancient sites as possible. This time next week I’ll be lying by the pool on a boat floating down the Nile. This time next week I’ll be lying by the pool on a boat floating down the Nile. I’ll probably have started work by the end of the month. I’ll probably have started work by the end of the month.

We’re flying to Luxor to meet the boat. We’re flying to Luxor to meet the boat. (present continuous)  a definite future arrangement

The boat leaves at dawn. The boat leaves at dawn. (present simple)  future timetabled event

We’ll probably find it very hot. We’ll probably find it very hot. (future simple)  a prediction about the future

The future simple (will + infinitive) Future facts Future facts I’ll be 21 next month. Predictions or expectations Predictions or expectations John won’t be here on time. He’s always late. Instant decisions about the immediate future Instant decisions about the immediate future The phone’s ringing. I’ll answer it.

Will or present simple?

We’re going to visit as many ancient sites as possible. We’re going to visit as many ancient sites as possible. (going to future)  an intention

Going to future (be+going to+ infinitive) Intentions or plans Intentions or plans What are you going to do when you leave school? Predictions based on present evidence or knowledge Predictions based on present evidence or knowledge My sister’s going to have a baby.

Will or going to? I’ll give you my phone number. Ring me tonight. An intention or decision made AT the moment of speaking An intention or decision made AT the moment of speaking We’re going to have a holiday in Sicily this summer. An intention or decision made BEFORE the moment of speaking An intention or decision made BEFORE the moment of speaking

This time next week I’ll be lying by the pool on a boat floating down the Nile. This time next week I’ll be lying by the pool on a boat floating down the Nile. (future continuous)  a continuous activity in the future seen from a point in time

The future continuous (will + be + -ing) Events or actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future Events or actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future This time tomorrow, I’ll be travelling through France. Predicted or expected trends Predicted or expected trends In the 21 st century, people will be living to the age of 130.

I’ll probably have started work by the end of the month. I’ll probably have started work by the end of the month. (future perfect simple)  an action which will be completed by a particular time in the future

The future perfect simple (will + have + past participle) Actions or events that will already be completed by a certain time in the future Actions or events that will already be completed by a certain time in the future By the year 2008, I’ll have left school and started work.

Shall Shall is sometimes used instead of will after I and we. Shall is sometimes used instead of will after I and we. In a few days we shall have forgotten about the misunderstanding. Shall must be used to start questions which are suggestions and offers. Shall must be used to start questions which are suggestions and offers. Shall we phone to check what time the train leaves? Shall I carry that heavy case for you?

Other ways of referring to the future To be about to + infinitive To be about to + infinitive I must hurry - the train is about to leave. To be on the point of + -ing To be on the point of + -ing The train is on the point of leaving. Close the doors!  Actions or events which we expect to happen in the immediate future