Learning how to use the future can be tricky and confusing at times for English Language Learners.. Our teachers at Carole Brown Idiomas have been trying to simplify this to make it more accessible.. We have found that giving examples in context can help learners understand its different uses better. Seeing examples in context can help them memorise and retain them for future recall.
1. Ordering at a restaurant
Waiter: What would you like for main course?
Client:: I will have the steak please (Will + infinitive when we are talking about something definite)
2. Going on holidays
John: Where are we going to stay in Paris? (Be + going to + infinitive: when we are talking about future plans)
Mary: At the Hotel Eiffel Trocadero
3. Exams
Sarah: When are you taking your final exam? (Subject + be + verb + ing: when
we talk about definite future arrangements)
Rachel: On the 22nd of June
4. Weddings
Katie: When are you getting married?
Sal: We are getting married in May next year. (Subject + be + verb + ing: when
we talk about definite future arrangements)
Tip: When talking about a definite future arrangement, it is not always necessary
to put in a specific date. The important thing is how certain we are about it.