Futurity in English

What are the three common structures used to express the future in English?

future simple (will) be going to present continuous

When is the present continuous used for the future tense?

Fixed plans and arrangements, plans in general e.g. I'm playing tennis Friday. I'm meeting John for lunch next Wednesday.

Explain this TSE: Hi John! What will you do tomorrow, because I will go rollerblading and later I will go for a beer.

Hi John! What are you going to do tomorrow, because I'm going rollerblading and later I will go for a beer? We need three separate structures.

Explain this TSE: I call you as soon as I will get home.

I will call you as soon as I get home. General misplacement of 'will' because students aren't quite sure where the future should be expressed.

What is the phonology of 'I will see him later.'

I'll

When is the 'be going to' structure used for the future tense?

Intentions, result of preset cause, information based on evidence, plans in general, predictions, info about the future promises, announcements e.g. I'm going to a friend's picnic on Saturday and going to the beach.

Are there very clear usages for each structure of the future tense?

No, there is a certain amount of overlap.

When is the 'will' structure used for the future tense?

Spontaneous decisions, information based on inside knowledge offers/requests, promises, predictions, information about the future promises, announcements. e.g. I'll answer it! I'll help you with that/Will you help me?

How do you form the 'will' structure?

Subject + Modal 'will'+ verb in base form

How do you express the negative form of the 'going to' tense?

Subject + to be in present + not + going to + verb in base form

How do you form the going to structure?

Subject + to be in present form + going to + verb in base form Be careful about the verb 'to go' which can be used but is not the 'going to' structure: I am going to Madrid.

How do you form questions and negative with the 'will' structure?

Subject/will inversion with questions 'not' between will and verb, usually contracted to 'won't'

When is the present simple used to express the future tense?

Unalterable plans, schedules e.g. Barca play Madrid. I leave for Prague on Saturday.

Explain this TSE: We go to the beach tomorrow, do you want to come?

We are going to the beach tomorrow, do you want to come? We need a future structure (this is too basic).

The future is...

uncertain.

What is the phonology of 'I'm going to see my grandmother this summer?' and 'I am going to do it later.'

'I'm gonna see' 'I'mgonna do' (I'muna)

Explain this TSE: My friend going to help me fix the car.

My friend is going to help me fix the car. Student trying to use 'going to' structure but neglected to use auxiliary verb 'to be.'