Lecture 7 Means of Expressing 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. 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 volition. 2) will / shall + progressive /perfective infinitive 3) be going to + infinitive 4) present progressive 5) be to + infinitive 6) simple present

2. Means of expressing past future 1) Would + infinitive 2) Was / were going to + infinitive 3) Was / were to + infinitive 4) Past progressive and simple past 5) Was / were about to + infinitive

Conclusion Future time is expressed by means of modal auxiliaries, by semi-auxiliaries, or by the simple present and present progressive forms, and the past future is expressed by would + infinitive, was/were going to +infinitive, past progressive and simple past, and was/were about to + infinitive. “will+ infinitive” and “be going to +infinitive” can sometimes be used interchangeably except for a few cases. The chief difference is that the be going to form always implies a premeditated intention, while the will form implies intention alone. “be to +infinitive” and “be about to” can denote a future happening based on a present plan or arrangement, but the future time adverbial(s) can’t be used in the latter one.

Assignment 1. Exercise 13A BD 2. Remember the rules and practice more