The Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense is used to describe actions that will happen in the future. One key point to remember is that an action in this tense starts and finishes in the future. To understand it better, let’s look at how different dictionaries define the simple future tense.

Definition of the Simple Future Tense

• According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, the simple future tense is “the form of a verb that expresses what will happen after the present.”
• The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a verb tense that is used to refer to the future.”
• The Collins Dictionary explains that it is “a tense of verbs used when the action or event described is to occur after the time of utterance.”
• The Macmillan Dictionary states that it represents actions or events “expected to exist or happen during the time following the present time.”

Structure and Formula 

Now, let’s look at how sentences are formed using the simple future tense.

Formula 

The formula to form the simple future tense is:

Subject + Helping verb (will) + Base form of the verb + The rest of the sentence

Structure

Positive	Negative	Interrogative	Negative Interrogative
Subject + Will + Base verb + Rest of the sentence	Subject + Will not (Won’t) + Base verb + Rest of the sentence	Will + Subject + Base verb + Rest of the sentence?	Will + Subject + Not + Base verb + Rest of the sentence? (or) Won’t + Subject + Base verb + Rest of the sentence?

Examples:

• Positive: I will watch a movie tomorrow.
• Negative: I will not watch a movie tomorrow. / I won’t watch a movie tomorrow.
• Interrogative: Will I watch a movie tomorrow?
• Negative Interrogative: Will I not watch a movie tomorrow? / Won’t I watch a movie tomorrow?

Another way to form is by using “to be” along with “going to.”

Examples of “Going to” Usage

Infinitive Verb	Positive	Negative
To write	I am going to write an essay.	I am not going to write an essay.
To buy	We are going to buy a car.	We are not going to buy a car.
To visit	He is going to visit his grandparents.	He is not going to visit his grandparents.

Rules for Using the Simple Future Tense

1. The simple future tense always includes two verbs – the auxiliary verb “will” and the base form of the main verb.
2. Questions in this tense begin with “will,” followed by the subject and the base verb.
3. A negative sentence contains “not” after the auxiliary verb “will.”
4. The word “will” helps indicate that the sentence refers to a future event.

Uses of the Simple Future Tense

It is used in several situations. Here are the most common ones:

1. To talk about future actions or events.

• Example: James will start his new job next week.
• Example: The train will leave at 6 p.m.

2. To make predictions about the future.

• Example: It will rain tomorrow.
• Example: I think she will win the competition.

3. To express facts about the future.

• Example: The sun will rise at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow.
• Example: There will be a full moon next month.

4. To ask questions about the future.

• Example: Will they arrive on time?
• Example: Won’t she come to the meeting?

5. To discuss possible conditions or consequences.

• Example: If you study hard, you will pass the test.
• Example: She will get a promotion if she works hard.

6. To give commands or instructions.

• Example: You will submit your assignments by Friday.
• Example: You will follow all the safety rules.

 

Practice Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

Use the correct form of the simple future tense in the following sentences:

1. Mia __________ (call) her best friend tomorrow.
2. The teacher __________ (be) on leave next Monday.
3. _________ you __________ (attend – negative interrogative) the meeting next week?
4. I believe John ____________ (win) the race.
5. The weather report said that it _____________ (snow – negative) tonight.
6. ________ your parents ____________ (visit) your school tomorrow?
7. Alex ____________ (complete – negative) the project on time.
8. David _____________ (be) the captain of the football team next year.
9. Do you think they ____________ (accept) our invitation?
10. Sarah ____________ (explain) the plan when she arrives.

Answers to the Exercise

1. Mia will call her best friend tomorrow.
2. The teacher will be on leave next Monday.
3. Won’t you attend the meeting next week?
4. I believe John will win the race.
5. The weather report said that it will not snow tonight.
6. Will your parents visit your school tomorrow?
7. Alex will not complete the project on time.
8. David will be the captain of the football team next year.
9. Do you think they will accept our invitation?
10. Sarah will explain the plan when she arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: What is the simple future tense?

Ans. The simple future tense is a verb tense used to describe an action that will take place in the future. The action starts and ends in the future.

Q2: How is the simple future tense formed?

Ans. It follows the formula: Subject + Will + Base verb + Rest of the sentence

Q3: What are some examples of the simple future tense?

• Emily will join the music club next week.
• The team will practice every morning.
• You will enjoy the trip to the mountains.
• I think Mark will buy a new laptop soon.