future time markers and predictions

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 4

Simple future --> time markers

Tomorrow; in (future year, month, week); on (future day); next (month, week, year, name of day); # days, months, weeks, years from now; this month, week, afternoon, year; someday

je gebruikt in dit geval altijd will

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Future tenses with predictions

We use both will and to be going to when we want to make a prediction about the future. A prediction is a statement that we make about the future. When a person makes a prediction they say what they think will happen in the future.

When to use GOING TO

The structure BE GOING TO is normally used to indicate the future but with some type of connection to the present. We use it in the following situations:

1. When we have already decided or we INTEND to do something in the future. (Prior Plan)

The decision has been made before the moment of speaking.

They're going to retire to the beach - in fact they have already bought a little beach house.

I'm going to accept the job offer.

When "going to"(2)

2. When there are definite signs that something is going to happen. (Evidence)

Something is likely to happen based on the evidence or experience you have.

I think it is going to rain - I just felt a drop.

I don't feel well. I think I'm going to throw up. (throw up = vomit)

When "going to"(3)

3. When something is about to happen:

Get back! The bomb is going to explode.

Je kunt ook de present simple gebruiken

We use the present simple tense in two cases. First, we use it for a timetabled event in the future, like public transport or the start of a class:

My train leaves at six tonight.

His class starts at 9am tomorrow.

Je kunt de present simple ook gebruiken na bepaalde woorden

Second, we use it after certain words, when the sentence has a future meaning. These words are: before / after / as soon as / until / when:

I'll call you when I get home.

She's going to study after she finishes dinner.

Please drink some water as soon as you complete the race.

When to use WILL

In other cases, where there is no implicit or explicit connection to the present, use WILL:

Will:

1. For things that we decide to do now. (Rapid Decisions)

This is when you make a decision at that moment, in a spontaneous way.

I'll buy one for you too.

I think I'll try one of those. (I just decided this right now)

Will:

2. When we think or believe something about the future. (Prediction)

My team will not win the league this season.

I think it will rain later so take an umbrella with you.

Note: You can use both Will and Going to for making future predictions.

Will:

3. To make an offer, a promise or a threat.

I'll give you a discount if you buy it right now.

I promise I will behave next time.

I'll take you to the movies if you'd like.

Will:

4. You use WON'T when someone refuses to do something.

I told him to take out the trash but he won't do it.

My kids won't listen to anything I say.

My car won't start.

Compare Will vs. Going To

If someone asks: "Are you busy this evening?"

If I respond: "Yes, I'm going to go to the movies." I use going to because it is a plan I made earlier (before I was asked the question). - In this case we cannot use Will.

If I haven't made plans, then you can say either: "I will probably watch TV." OR "I'm probably going to watch TV."

Both will and going to are possible in this situation because we are predicting what will happen (since we haven't made any plans).

Will or going to?

Philipp is going to be 15 next Wednesday.

Phillip will be 15 next Wednesday.

answer

Philip will be 15 next Wednesday.

(We think or know something about the future)

Which is right?

They are going to get a new computer.

They will get a new computer

answer

They are going to get a new computer.

(plan)

I think my mother will like this CD

I think my mother is going to like this CD

Answer

Both are correct.

Het is een voorspelling.

It's 8.30! You ...

will miss your train.

are going to miss your train.

Answer

are going to miss your train (prediction)

Don't get up.

I am going to answer the phone.

I will answer the phone.

Answer

I will answer the phone.

(there was no plan, incident).

Question

There's going to be snow tomorrow.

There will be snow tomorrow.

Answer

There will be snow tomorrow (prediction).

Question

I think I am going to buy that car.

I think I will buy that car.

Answer

I think I will buy that car.

(No firm plan before speaking, decision made at the time of speaking). 

Question

Who do you think is going to get the job?

Who do you think will get the job?

Answer

Who do you think will get the job?

(prediction about the future, we are saying what we think will happen).

going to

with going to:

- intention

- intention or decision made before speaking

- prediction based on evidence

will

will:

- prediction without real evidence

- not spontaneously

- made decision at the time of speaking,

no prior plan, made at the time of speaking

simple present

schedule: such as

be, open, close, begin, start, end, finish, arrive, come, leave, return