Future Tenses: Usage

I'll have the chicken.

• The person has wanted to eat chicken all day.

• The person has decided to eat chicken now.

I'm seeing him tonight.

• The speaker intends to see him tonight.

• The speaker has already arranged to see him tonight.

John's going to take me to the airport.

• This has already been discussed with John.

• The speaker assumes John will take them.

I'm seeing the dentist tomorrow.

• The speaker intends to see the dentist.

• The speaker has already made an appointment

I think I'll stay in and watch TV this evening.

• This is unplanned.

• This is planned.

He'll be there at nine o'clock.

• We know his movements and can make an assumption about where he will be.

• He is planning to be there at nine o'clock.

Are you doing anything tonight?

• The speaker is just making polite conversation.

• The speaker wants to know if the person has any plans as they are interested in doing something with them.

Next month I'll be forty.

• This is the speaker's intention.

• The speaker has no control over this.

You will do it or else!

• The speaker is giving an instruction.

• The speaker is making a threat.

I know, I'll phone Jack and ask his opinion.

• The speaker has just thought of asking Jack.

• The speaker thought of asking Jack earlier.