Tenses · Intermediate (B1)
Future forms: will, going to, present continuous
Choose the right future: I’ll help you (decision now), I’m going to study law (plan), I’m flying on Friday (arrangement).
The rules
Will + base verb: decisions made at the moment of speaking (I’ll have the soup), offers and promises (I’ll carry that for you), predictions based on opinion (I think it’ll be fine), and facts about the future (I’ll be 30 next year).
Be going to + verb: plans and intentions decided before (I’m going to learn to drive), and predictions based on present evidence (Look at those clouds — it’s going to rain).
Present continuous: fixed arrangements with a time/place (We’re meeting at 7). Present simple: timetables (The train leaves at 9:15).
Future continuous (will be + -ing) for actions in progress at a future time (This time tomorrow I’ll be lying on a beach); future perfect (will have + participle) for actions completed before a future time (By June I’ll have finished the course).
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| will | instant decision, promise, prediction (opinion) | I’ll call you later. |
| going to | plan, prediction (evidence) | She’s going to have a baby. |
| present continuous | arrangement | I’m seeing the dentist on Monday. |
| present simple | timetable | The class starts at 6. |
Examples
- The phone’s ringing. — I’ll get it!
- We’re going to paint the kitchen this weekend.
- I’m having lunch with Omar tomorrow.
- By 2030 I’ll have paid off my loan.
Common mistakes
✗ I will to call you.
✓ I will call you.
No to after will.
✗ Wait, I’m going to help you! (decided now)
✓ Wait, I’ll help you!
Decision at the moment of speaking → will.
✗ When I will arrive, I’ll call.
✓ When I arrive, I’ll call.
After when/if/as soon as, use the present for the future.
Practice
I’m cold. — ___ close the window.
Quiz
1.The film ___ at 8:30. (cinema timetable)
2.We ___ buy a house next year. (plan)
3.Complete the sentence.
4.After “when” we use will for the future.