Future forms for AD3

We use it for predictions without evidence. For example, to talk about the weather next year.

• going to

• will

• present continuous

• present simple

• shall

We use it for predictions based on evidence. For example, to talk about the weather when you see black clouds in the sky.

• going to

• will

• present continuous

• present simple

• shall

We use it to make offers, suggestions, to express an intention and to ask for advice.

It goes with the subject pronouns "I" and "we".

• going to

• will

• shall

• present simple

• present continuous

We use it for future actions decided at the time of speaking.

• going to

• will

• shall

• present simple

• present continuous

We use them to express less certainty about a future action.

• going to/present simple

• must/have to

• shall/will

• might/could

We use it to talk about personal intentions.

• present continuous

• present simple

• going to

• might/could

We use it to talk about arrangements.

• present continuous

• present simple

• going to

• might/could

We use it to talk about future events in fixed timetables, regulations and programmes.

• present continuous

• present simple

• going to

• will

• shall

We use it to talk about future events, right after words and phrases such as "when/as soon as/if/until/before/after".

• present continuous

• present simple

• going to

• will

• shall

Match the future forms and their uses

• present simple

• for timetabled events in the future; after phrases such as "as soon as, after, before, until, if"

• present continuous

• for arrangements

• will

• for predictions based on evidence; for personal intentions

• going to

• for an offer, an intention, a suggestion, to ask for advice

• shall

• for predictions without evidence; for decisions made at the moment of speaking; for promises, threats, offers and requests