In the previous article, Eduteam has discussed the simple present tense and simple past tense material which includes definitions, formulas, and example questions. The next general form of tenses is the simple future tense, which is a tense that describes an event that will occur in the future. If You masters these three basic forms of tenses, it will be easier to learn other tenses which are variations of the three
A. Definition of Simple Future Tense
Simple future tense is a tense to describe an event that has not yet started and will occur in the future. Sentences in the simple future tense can be marked by using the words will, shall, and going to. The simple future tense is also used to express a prediction or desire.
B. The Simple Future Tense formula
In simple future tense sentences, the basic verb (V1) will be followed by the auxilary modal will or the phrasal modal be going to. Take a look at the following form of the simple future tense formula:
C. Adverb of Time
Adverbs of time are very important to know so that You can determine which tenses the sentence uses. The following is a description of the time that is generally used in the simple future tense:
Tomorrow : tomorrow
Later : later
Next week : next week
Next month : next month
Next year : next year
soon : immediately
Tonight : tonight
By and by: Soon
The day after tomorrow : The day after tomorrow
It’s actually quite easy to remember the timestamp. The time of the event that “will happen” or “happens later” is a future tense sentence. For example, in this morning, in this evening, in this afternoon can be used as a description of the future tense if the context of that time has not happened and will happen. You can learn this more easily through the book The 1st Students Choice Changing Times Changing Tenses.
D. Use of the Simple Future Tense
1. Declare an event that will occur in the future.
2. Declare something that has been decided to do.
3. Declare an offer/request/invitation to other people.
4. Declare a decision to do something without a plan.
5. Expressing an emotion or feeling.
E. The difference between Will, Shall, and Going to
Broadly speaking, the words will, shall, and going to have the same meaning, which means “will”. However, in some circumstances the word can also have different meanings based on the context.
Will/Shall
Will is used for the subjects I, You, We, They, He, She and It
Shall is used for the subject I, We
Expresses a desire and an unwillingness (definite possibility)
Stating a fact or general truth
Stating a promise or offering yourself spontaneously
going to
Can be used for subjects I, You, We, They, He, She, and It
Using to be am/is/are after the subject, for example: I am going to…, She is going to…
Expressing a desire but only limited to the intention
F. Simple Future Tense Practice Questions
Lia : … to Surabaya?
Hana : Next month
a. When do you move
b. When will you move
c. Where are you going to move
d. Will you move
Discussion :
The correct interrogative sentence is When will you move because Hana’s answer next moth which means next month shows that the dialogue above uses the simple future tense.
Iga : The car won’t start, Mom. I think it’s broken.
Ms. X : Don’t worry. The mechanics… it soon.
a. has fixed
b. will fix
c. fixed
d. have fixed
Discussion :
Ms. X answered using the time description soon, which means later/as soon as possible. Soon is an adverb of time used in the simple future tense.
You … (be) able to drive after another five lessons
a. are being
b. is be
c. shall be
d. will be
d. well being
Discussion :
In the sentence there is an adverb “after” which means “after”, but the form of the sentence used is not past, meaning it is a plan.
Ardi : When … you go there?
Bian : I think next week.
a. did
b. are
c. will
d. do
Discussion:
next week = next week, indicating that the sentence is asking for an action that will be carried out in the future (future tense), so the correct word is will.
Nanda : This letter is in French, and I don’t speak a word in French. Can you help me?
Lois: Sure, I … it’s for you.
a. will translate
b. am going to translate
c. won’t translate
d. am not going to translate
Discussion :
During the conversation, Lois offers her help in translating the letter Nanda received. Lois did it because she voluntarily wanted to do it, without her planning it first.
How about You, now you understand how to learn the simple future tense. You can do similar questions at Sinaumedia.com. Have a good study!