A1-A2 grammar reference
Future with will
Will is a modal verb used for several future meanings, especially predictions, decisions made as you speak, offers, promises, and willingness. English has no single future tense for every situation.
Form at a glance
Form: subject + will + base verb
When to use it
- A prediction based on opinion:
I think the match will be close.
- An immediate decision:
The phone is ringing; I will answer it.
- An offer or promise:
I will help you with those bags.
- Willingness or refusal:
He will not apologise.
Sentence patterns
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | S + will + base verb | We will call tomorrow. |
| Negative | S + will not (won't) + base | I won't forget. |
| Question | Will + S + base verb? | Will you join us? |
| Short answer | Yes, S will / No, S won't | Yes, I will. |
Compare the meaning
Will
Decision now or opinion: I will take the blue one.
Be going to
Prior intention or present evidence: I am going to buy a new coat.
Common mistakes
- Use the base verb after will:
will go
, notwill goes
orwill to go.
- Do not normally use will in a future time clause:
I will call when I arrive
, notwhen I will arrive.
- A scheduled event normally takes the present simple:
The course starts on Monday.
Nuance and natural usage
- Shall survives mainly in offers and suggestions with I/we, especially in British English:
Shall we begin?
- Will can describe characteristic behaviour rather than future time:
Accidents will happen.