The **Future Indefinite Tense** is used to describe actions that will happen in the future without specifying their duration. This tense is typically formed using "will" or "shall" followed by the base form of the verb. In this lesson, we learn the definition and structure of the Future Indefinite Tense, how to form sentences correctly, and its various uses in everyday communication. We also explore common time expressions associated with this tense, the use of negative contractions, and how to frame questions and answers. Additionally, we discuss frequent mistakes learners make and provide practice exercises to reinforce understanding.
The Future Indefinite Tense, also known as the Simple Future Tense, is used to describe an action that will happen in the future. It expresses a decision, prediction, or event that is expected to occur after the present time.
Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar: The Simple Future Tense is used to refer to an event or action that is expected to happen at a later time, typically marked by the use of ‘will’ or ‘shall’ before the base verb.
Cambridge Grammar of English: Future Indefinite Tense (Simple Future) is a verb tense used to indicate that something will occur after the present time, often formed using ‘will’ or ‘shall’ with the root verb.
Merriam-Webster’s Guide to Grammar and Usage: The Simple Future Tense expresses an action that is expected to occur in the future, generally accompanied by auxiliary verbs ‘will’ or ‘shall’ followed by the base form of the verb.
The structure of the Future Indefinite Tense (also known as the Simple Future Tense) is quite simple. It follows the pattern:
**Subject + will/shall + base form of the verb**
Here’s a breakdown: 1. **Subject**: The person or thing performing the action. 2. **Will/Shall**: The auxiliary verb indicating the future tense. "Will" is used for all subjects in modern English, but "shall" is sometimes used with "I" and "we" in more formal contexts, especially in British English. 3. **Base form of the verb**: The verb without any endings (e.g., play, eat, go). ### Examples: - **I will study** tomorrow. - **She will call** you later. - **They will arrive** at 6 PM. - **We shall meet** again soon. (more formal) In negative sentences, **will not** or **won’t** is used: - **I will not (won't) go** to the party. - **He will not (won't) help** with the work. In questions, the auxiliary verb **will** comes before the subject: - **Will you come** to the meeting? - **Will they leave** early?The Future Indefinite Tense (also called the Simple Future Tense) is used to talk about actions that will happen in the future. It is formed with the will + base verb (e.g., will go, will see, will eat). Here are some common time expressions used with the Future Indefinite Tense:
These time expressions help set the context for when the action will happen in the future.
The future indefinite tense (also known as the simple future tense) is used to describe actions that will happen in the future. The structure for the future tense is:
Subject + will + base verb
When making negative sentences in the future tense, we add the contraction **won't** (which is short for "will not") after the subject.
In summary, won't is used for negating future actions in the future indefinite tense.
Here are some common mistakes people make with the Future Indefinite tense (also called the Simple Future tense):
1. Incorrect use of auxiliary verb "will":
Explanation: After "will," the verb should always be in its base form, not the conjugated form.
2. Using "will" unnecessarily in negative sentences:
Explanation: Only one "will" is needed. The auxiliary verb "will" is used once with "not" for negation.
3. Omitting "will" in affirmative sentences:
Explanation: "Will" is necessary in the future tense, even if the subject is not negated.
4. Incorrect word order in questions:
Explanation: In future questions, the auxiliary verb "will" should come before the subject.
5. Using "will" for scheduled or planned events:
Explanation: For scheduled or fixed events, we use the Present Simple tense instead of the Future Indefinite.
6. Confusing "will" and "going to":
Explanation: "Going to" is used for plans or intentions, while "will" is for decisions made at the moment of speaking.
7. Using "will" with continuous or perfect forms:
Explanation: "Will" is used with the base form of the verb. If you want to talk about an ongoing action in the future, use "will be + verb-ing".
Here are some practice exercises for the Future Indefinite Tense (also called the Simple Future Tense):
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in the Future Indefinite Tense.
Exercise 2: Change the following sentences into the Future Indefinite Tense.
Exercise 3: Correct the mistakes in these sentences.