Using Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense looks like this: shall/will + present tense verbs
The simple future tense is used to show actions that are going to happen in the near future. "will" is used for all subjects. However, "shall" is often used with the subjects "I" and "We". Words/phrases like tomorrow/next week/next month/soon/later may be used with the simple future tense. Read these examples and pay attention to the words in bold and italics. They show the simple future tense.

Please take a seat. The manager will see you soon.
I'm very busy right now. I shall write the letter later.
They will attend the seminar next Tuesday.
Our new customer will place an order soon.
We shall return the faulty lawnmowers tomorrow.

The simple future tense can also be used with the word "if" in English sentences to indicate certain conditions. For examples:

We shall return the goods if we are not satisfied.
Mr Davidson will sign the contract with us if he agrees with the terms and conditions.
Mrs Lee will allow her children to play in the garden if it doesn't rain tomorrow.
They will call us if they still don't receive the goods by next week.

The simple future tense can also be used with when/as soon as/after/before in English sentences. For examples:

We shall inform you when the new products arrive.
"I will pass the message to Mr Peterson as soon as he comes to the office," the secretary assured the new customer.
Laura will file the letters after she has finished photocopying them.
I will give you a call before I drop in at your office.

As stated earlier that "shall" is often used with the subjects "I" and "We", at times, "will" can be used with "I" and "We" to convey the idea that the speaker is certain that he/she will definitely/surely do the action in the future. For examples:

"Are you sure you will attend the meeting?" Mrs Lee asked her colleague.
"Yes, I will definitely/surely attend the meeting," answered her colleague.
Note that the words definitely/surely are used to convey a stronger and more confirmed idea to the speaker's listener. Therefore, if you are absolutely sure about doing something in the near future, use the simple future tense and the word definitely/surely after the word "will" like this:

I will definitely attend the meeting.
As the project manager, I will surely see the project through.
We will definitely give our new customer a call when the goods arrive.

The simple future tense in negative sentences looks like this: shall/will not + present tense verb.

Example sentences:
Sharon will not (won't) talk to her classmate, Francis, if he keeps teasing her.
They will not (won't) demolish the old house.

The simple future tense is a rather easy tense to use, and I'm sure English users have no problem at all picking up this tense. Click on "References" to view other tenses.

By Susan L
On 12/12/2009 05:14:00 PM
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Using Simple Future Tense

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