Future Forms
Talk about things that will happen, plans, intentions, and predictions.
Three ways to talk about what's next.
Mission brief
Talk about what comes next
English has more than one way to talk about the future. The one you choose depends on how decided the future event already is.
In this mission you will learn will, be going to, and the present continuous for arrangements.
Big idea
Three ways to reach the future
Decided right now
A decision made as you speak, a prediction, or a promise.
I'll get some water.
Already planned
An intention you decided earlier, or a prediction based on evidence.
I'm going to study tonight.
Already arranged
A fixed arrangement, usually with a time and place.
I'm meeting Amir tomorrow.
How it works
Will
I will study. · She will come. · They will help.
I'm thirsty. I'll get some water.
You decided at the moment of speaking.
I think it will rain.
An opinion about the future.
I'll help you.
You are offering to do something.
Watch out: after will, use the base verb. Never will to study and never will studies.
How it works
Be going to
I am going to study tonight.
You decided this before you spoke.
She is going to visit her grandmother.
The intention already exists.
Look at those clouds. It is going to rain.
You can see the reason right now.
How it works
Present continuous for arrangements
The present continuous can describe the future when something is already arranged — usually with a time, date, or place.
I am meeting Amir tomorrow.
The meeting is fixed.
We are visiting Penang this weekend.
The trip is already organised.
She is seeing the dentist on Monday.
The appointment is booked.
An arrangement feels more fixed than a general intention — someone else is usually involved, or a time is already booked.
Compare it
Which future should you use?
Decision now · prediction · promise
I'll help you.
Plan · intention · evidence
I'm going to study.
Arranged event
I'm meeting my tutor at 10.
Someone asks: “What are you doing this weekend?”
“I am going to study.” = an intention. “I am meeting my tutor at 10.” = an arrangement.
Time clues
Future time expressions
Negatives and questions
Saying no, and asking
will not → won't
I won't be late.
She isn't going to come.
Will + subject + base verb?
Will you help me?
Are you going to study tonight?
Common mistakes
Error detector
I will to study tonight.
She going to visit Penang.
They are going play football.
He will studies tomorrow.
I meeting Amir tomorrow.
Real-life English
Weekend plans
Aiman What are you doing this weekend?
Sara I'm meeting my cousins on Saturday.
Aiman Nice. What about Sunday?
Sara I'm going to finish my project.
Aiman I'll help you if you need anything.
Test yourself
Quick check
Revision map
Mission summary
Will
decision now · prediction · promise
Going to
plan · intention · evidence
Present continuous
arranged future event
After will
base verb — no to, no -s
Going to pattern
am / is / are + going to + base verb
Time clues
tomorrow · tonight · next week · soon
Exam strategy
Exam booster
Decide whether the future is a decision, a plan, or an arrangement.
After will, always use the base verb.
Be going to needs am, is, or are — and the word to.
Present evidence usually points to be going to, not will.
A fixed time and place usually points to the present continuous.
Worked example: “Look at those clouds. It ___ rain.” The clouds are evidence you can see right now, so: It is going to rain.
Mission review point
Future Forms complete
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