Future forms 9

We can use different forms to talk about future time in English, for example, will, going to and shall.

We will look at other forms (present continuous, present simple and future perfect) in another language point.

will + base verb:

To make a prediction based on personal opinion
...I think you'll love this film. It's got John Cusack in it.
...She's convinced that the team won't win the cup.

Note: In spoken English will is usually shortened to 'll.

To express a decision made at the moment of speaking
...You go with Michal and I'll iron the shirts.
...We've run out of sugar. I'll buy some later today.

To express future facts
...Beijing will host the next Olympics.
...The class will finish at 7:30 tonight.

In formal written style to express future events (often planned in detail)
...This clinic will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday.
...We are sorry there will be no deliveries of mail during next week's postal strike.

be + going to + base verb:

To make a prediction based on present evidence
...Look at those dark clouds, it's going to rain.
...The traffic is terrible! We're going to be late.

To talk about plans already made
...I'm going to see a film tonight (I've already bought my ticket).
...I've been working hard all week so this weekend I'm not going to do anything at all!

shall + base verb:

Used with 'we' or 'I' in formal situations or in writing

We shall be delighted to have you over for dinner.
I shall visit London from the 4th to the 7th of June
If you do that one more time, I shall be very cross.
I shall never forget you.
Shall we be able to get this finished today, do you think?
I'm afraid I shall not/shan't be able to come to your party.
FORMAL I shall look forward to meeting you next week.So we'll see you at the weekend, shall we (= is that right)?
We shall (= intend to) let you know as soon as there's any news.


Vocabulary:

a favour (n): an act of kindness over and above what is usual. "something you say in answer to a ridiculous and impossible suggestion"

...Could you do me a favour and lend me £10?
...Why don't you tell the police what happened?" "Oh, do me a favour!"
...Could you do me a favour - would you feed my cat this weekend.
...Could you do me a favour please?
...I wanted to ask you a favour.

to hit the books : (informal): to study

...I can't go out tonight. I've got to hit the books.

They seem made for each other:
They are a perfect couple.

...Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston seemed made for each other. Everyone was really surprised when they got divorced .

a courier (n): a person or company that delivers packages or documents very quickly. "a person who carries important messages or documents for someone else"

I want to have this package delivered by motorcycle courier.