Although we can use “will” in English to talk about the future, we normally use “will” to make predictions, talk about spontaneous decisions, and to make promises, offers, requests and threats. In this article, we explain how to use “will” in English with plenty of examples and links to songs that contain “will” in the lyrics.
Grammar rules for using “will” in English
“Will” is a modal auxiliary verb, meaning that there is no “s” on the third person singular conjugations. The main verb in the sentence is in the infinitive form (without “to”). The negative form is “will not” which is usually contracted in spoken English and we say “won’t”. Similarly “will” is sometimes contracted to “‘ll” when speaking.
Examples:
I’ll bring a bottle of wine.
You’ll enjoy the club!
He won’t sign the document.
She will find it difficult.
We will do our homework!
They’ll probably stay the night.
We make yes/no questions by changing the word order, “will” comes first:
Will he sign the contract?
Will they stay the night?
Won’t she find it difficult?
And we can ask open questions by placing a question word in front of the modal verb “will”:
Why won’t he sign the contract?
Where will they stay the night?
When will we do our homework?
How will she find it difficult?
When to use “will” in English:
- to express beliefs and predictions
- Spontaneous decisions
- to talk about willingness (what people want to do or are happy to do) – offers
- to make promises, requests and threats
Using “will” to express beliefs about the present or future
Although we don’t generally use “will” to talk about plans for the future, we can use it to talk about beliefs or predictions.
Examples:
(Doorbell rings) “That will be Jeremy, I invited him for coffee.” (belief – present)
I think it’ll rain this weekend. (prediction)
I’m sure she’ll be a highly acclaimed lawyer one day. (belief and prediction)
I don’t think you will like him. (negative prediction)
Notice that for negative predictions, we make the “think” negative, not the “will”.
Song: Gloria Gaynor’s I will survive uses “will” in this sense. A more modern song with “will” to express beliefs and predictions is “Can’t feel my face” by The Weekend.
We use “will” when we are making spontaneous decisions
We use “will” when we are making spontaneous decisions
In a restaurant when the waiter or waitress asks you what you would like, you normally make a decision at more or less the time of speaking, for this reason we use the expression “I’ll have…” For example:
I’ll have the fish please,
I’ll just have a coffee, I’m not hungry.
We’ll share the starter selection
I’ll have what Phill’s having (a TV show about food)
Of course, we can make spontaneous decisions in other situations such as:
Someone is calling on the other line, I’ll have to call you back.
I’m not sure when I’m free, I’ll let you know by tomorrow.
I’m cold, I think I’ll turn the heating on.
How to use “will” to express willingness – offers
The question form “Will you…” is asking about willingness.
Willingness is a complicated word to explain, however, it is clear that it is derived from the word “will”. If I want to do something, if I am happy to volunteer to do something, I am willing to help. So when I speak to express that I am willing to help or to offer to do something I use “will”.
Examples:
Don’t worry, I’ll go shopping tomorrow.
I’ll help you make dinner!
(Doorbell rings) “ I’ll get it!”
I’ll talk to him if you like
David will finish painting the garage for you.
All of the above examples are offers to help, even the last sentence, where David is being volunteered by someone else.
“Will not” or “won’t” mean to refuse to do something
In the same way that we can show willingness by using “will”, we can show the opposite attitude, a refusal to help with “will not” or “won’t”. Interestingly, this applies to animals and inanimate objects too.
I can’t go with you on the trip today, my car won’t start.
The donkey won’t budge.
She won’t tell you her secrets.
I won’t allow this to continue.
The governors will not permit smoking on school property.
Why won’t you come with me?
The question form “Will you…” is asking about willingness
The famous “Will you marry me?” is a question that asks if you want to marry me. Here are some other examples:
Will you take your dog on holiday?
Will they put their house on the market?
Will Gail teach business English?
Song: Lana Del Rey’s Young and Beautiful uses “Will you” in this sense.
We use “will” to make promises
We use “will” to make promises
We often use words like “I promise, I swear, I assure you… ” to emphasise a promise about the future with will. Here are some examples:
I swear I’ll never cheat on you again.
I assure you we will do our best to get to the bottom of this.
I promise, my dog won’t pee in your garden again
Songs: Calvin Harris, Sam Smith’s – Promises uses “will” in the chorus – “I’ll give you everything”. Additionally, Jess Glynne promises “You’ll never be alone, I’ll be there for you”.
We use “Will you … ?” to make requests:
With this type of question, we are asking if someone is willing to carry out the request.
Examples:
Will you help me on this project, please?
Will you sign this petition?
In reality, we use “Will you…” and “Would you…” to express that we are annoyed and we want someone to behave in a certain way:
Will you please be quiet!
Would you not eat my pants! (hilarious video!)
Will you please just sign the form so that we can all go home!
Would you please get your dog to stop barking!
Song: Will you be there by Michael Jackson is a simple request.
Using “will” to make a threat or give a warning
Admittedly, Peaky Blinders is not the best Netflix show to learn English with, but this clip where Grace warns Thomas Shelby that her song will break his heart is worth watching!
“OK, but I warn you, it’ll break your heart”
Meat Loaf threatens in one of his blasting ballads:
“In every way, I want you out of my life, but I’ll kill you if you don’t come back!”
Hypotheses and conditionals
We use will in first conditional sentences to say what will happen depending on the first clause:
If it rains tomorrow I’ll cancel the trip to the beach.
We’ll never finish the project if Charlotte doesn’t jump on board.
You won’t get promoted unless you stick to the rules.
So we have gone through all the main points you need to know about how to use “will” in English, one final song: Will you by Hazel O’Connor has many examples of “will” in it! In fact, so many that if you can figure out which use of “Will” in English each example is – you will be a champion of this subject! You can find more examples of this grammar topic in our Business English post: 5 ways to stop employees procrastinating in the workplace
In this article, we are looking at 15 cases of When To Use Future Simple in English.
It is an important topic. We use Future Simple every day when we talk about what we are going to do, where we will go, who we will meet, etc.
Pay attention please, you can also read detailed information about Future Simple.
Main Use Cases for Future Simple
- We use Future Simple when talking about a single event or fact that will or will not happen in the future. Thus, we are talking about simple, usual events or facts.
I will call a baggage carrier to help me.
He will finish his studies next year.
He will be here in a moment.
She will be back home in a couple of weeks.
The art gallery will open next week.
- We use Future Simple to describe the state of an object in the future. For example, now I am studying law at the university. It means that in the future I will be a lawyer.
To form such a sentence, we use the future form of the verb to be:
will + be = will be
I will be a lawyer.
Jessica will be an excellent cook!
I like you, Jack! I am sure that we will be good friends!
- We use Future Simple when we talk about some kind of spontaneous decision. It could be an idea, thought, or decision that came up suddenly.
Somebody’s knocking on the door? I’ll open it!
I will take two more beers!
I will call him right now.
- When we answer questions about something that will happen at a specific time in the future. Future Simple is well suited to formulate the answer to such a question. Because we use Future Simple when we talk about the future by indicating the exact time.
Question: When will you be ready?
Answer: I will be ready in 5 minutes!Question: When will you paint the wall?
Answer: I will paint the wall next week.Question: When will you get your exam results?
Answer: I will get the exam results in two days.
- We use the Future Simple when we offer to do something or help someone. In this case, we change will to shall. The word shall can only be used with the pronouns I or We. We form such a sentence in the form of a question.
Shall I help you?
Shall I pick you up by car?
Note: Remember that we rarely use shall in modern English.
- We also use the Future Simple when we talk about some action that will occur and will be repeated in the future.
Next week we will go to the cinema two times.
I will visit my grandmother two times next year.
- The Future Simple is good for making a promise to someone to do something.
I swear I will study well this year.
- We use the Future Simple when we talk about events in the future that will happen because nothing can be changed. Or there are factors due to which it must happen.
It’s raining! We’ll get wet!
The ship collided with an iceberg. We will drown!
- When we threaten someone.
I will catch you and send you to jail!
I will not let you steal this car!
- When we give a warning.
Watch out, you will fall!
Don’t drive so fast, we’ll get into an accident.
Don’t laugh when you eat, you’ll choke!
- We use the Future Simple when we predict some events or actions.
This prediction is based on the personal opinion of the speaker. Often such predictions begin with the words I think, I expect, I’m sure, probably, be afraid, etc. These words indicate that this is the personal opinion of the speaker:
I suppose we will build this house ourselves!
I think he will not pass his exam.
I’m afraid we won’t come.
I think we will have a good holiday.
Attention: If you predict an event that is based not on personal opinion, but obvious facts, then you need to use be going to instead of will.
I am afraid this building will collapse soon.
In this sentence, we use will because it’s just an opinion. It starts with the words “I am afraid”. This is just what we think.
This building is going to collapse soon, there are big cracks in it!
In this sentence, we use to be going to because this assumption is not based on personal opinion, but on obvious facts, such as cracks in the house.
Will + Some Words and Phrases
Please note that when we begin a sentence with certain words or phrases, we can change the meaning of the sentence. Indeed, using the Future Simple we can express a large number of feelings and emotions if we start a sentence with phrases such as:
- I think
- I suppose
- I hope
- I am afraid
- It seems
- I swear
Using such phrases at the beginning of a sentence, we turn the sentence into a prediction, promise, persuasion, warning, etc.
Use phrases like this to spice things up with the Future Simple.
Examples:
I am afraid I will do it alone.
It seems he will lose the game.
I hope they will help us with the project.
Let’s look at some more interesting cases where we can use Future Simple.
Will + Have To
We use have to and the Future Simple to express that someone must do something in the future. Such sentences are based on the following scheme:
Subject + will + have to + verb + rest of the sentence
Examples:
You will have to visit the doctor next week.
He will have to tell her the truth.
Will and Indirect Question
Let’s take a look at another interesting case where we can use will. It happens when we form a subordinate clause that begins with the conjunction if or the conjunction whether. This is called an indirect question. Although there is no question mark or question word order in such sentences.
Such indirect questions are similar to conditional sentences. But in fact, indirect questions with the conjunctions if or whether ARE NOT conditional clauses.
Conditional clauses have a condition and a result. In indirect questions, there is no condition or result. In such questions, there is an alternative to what might happen. Take a look at examples:
I doubt if he will accept my advice.
I am wondering if he will carry off the prize.
We’ve come to ask the king if he will grant mercy.
I don’t know if he will visit us next Sunday.
Maggie wonders if she will share their fate.
I don’t know if she will be happy about that.
When to Use Will as Modal Verb?
It is one more way how we can use will. However, this has nothing to do with the future. Because in this case, we use will not as an auxiliary verb, but as a modal.
We use will as a modal verb to indicate that someone is unwilling to do something. Such an action refers to the present time, not to the future! Take a look at examples:
I feel angry with him because he won’t let me live my life.
I tried, but for whatever reason, he won’t let me help him.
I’m doing all I can, but she won’t talk.
Note: In colloquial speech, we emphasize the modal verb will with our voice making it clear that we are using will exactly as a modal verb.
Words Which We Often Use in Future Simple
In order not to be mistaken in what cases we can use Future Simple, let’s take a look at the following words that we often use with this tense:
- tonight
- next hour
- next day
- next year
- soon
- later
- in seven days
- in 2027
- in a few months
- in five months
- in five years
- as soon as
- tomorrow
Examples:
The rain will stop in the next hour.
We will have an intensive afternoon tomorrow.
No doubt they will attack as soon as our ship crosses the border.
Remember, if we focus on the fact that the action will take place at exactly the specified time or between two points, then we do not use Future Simple, but Future Continuous.
Examples:
Future Simple: I’ll be at work at three in the afternoon.
Future Continuous: At three o’clock in the afternoon, I’ll be working.
Future Simple Usage Examples
Take a look at different examples of using Future Simple. Pay attention to how many different situations there are when we can apply this tense.
Promise: I will help you do your homework later.
Threat: I will catch you wherever you hide!
Assumption: I believe that John will not pass the exam.
A spontaneous decision: You know what? I’ll order another pizza!
Caution: Carefully! You will fall!
Prediction: It looks like he’ll arrive in the afternoon.
Please note that Future Simple is not the only way to talk about the future. In English, we also use:
- Future Perfect
- Future Continuous
- Future Perfect Continuous
- To be going to
- Present Simple
You can also read the full article on Future Simple.
Здравствуйте, дорогие друзья. Сегодня мы разбираем тему «will как модальный глагол в английском». В статье будут представлены таблицы и правила, вы узнаете разницу между will и would. Как обычно в конце статьи можно пройти онлайн-упражнение для закрепления материала.
Модальный глагол Will в английском языке имеет следующие формы: will – Present Indefinite и would – Past Simple. Вторая форма используется несколькими способами:
- a) в контекстах прошлого времени, чтобы выразить реальный факт;
- b) в настоящем времени выражает нереальность или как более мягкую и вежливую форму.
Рассмотрим таблицу построения утвердительных, отрицательных и вопросительных предложений данных слов.
Употребление модальных глаголов Will (Would)
Помимо того, что will является чисто модальным глаголом, он еще сочетает в себе функции вспомогательного глагола, выражающего будущие действия.
В современном английском языке слова shall и should рассматриваются как два разных глагола, а will and would считаются формами одного и того же глагола.
Они используются для выражения:
1. Воля (желание, готовность, твердое намерение или решимость)
Это значение находится в утвердительных и отрицательных предложениях. Настоящая неопределенная форма will помимо выражения своего модального значения, служит для передачи модального смысла и действия в будущее.
Простая прошедшая форма would обычно используется в косвенной речи, а также служит для передачи модального значения и действия в будущее, но в этом случае рассматривается с прошлого момента.
В основном данное значение передается на русский языке выразительной интонацией, но иногда глаголом хотеть.
Примеры:
– I will definitely pay you back next week. – Я обязательно верну тебе деньги на следующей неделе.
– He won’t answer her questions. – Он отказывается отвечать на ее вопросы.
– She decided that she wouldn’t interfere. – Она решила не вмешиваться.
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2. Привычные (повторяющиеся) действия
– David would always help us with our Russian homework. – Дэвид обычно помогал нам с домашним заданием по русскому.
– Selena will sit talking to herself for hours. – Селена обычно сидит и разговаривает сама с собой часами.
Предложения с ударением на глаголы могут использоваться для критики типичного поведения людей или для разговора о лицах, которые продолжают вести себя странно или раздражающе. Запомните, что эти глаголы не сокращаются, когда используются для описания такого рода действия:
– He will fall in love with the wrong people. – Он постоянно влюбляется не в тех людей.
– James was a nice guy, but he would talk about himself all the time. – Джеймс был хорошим парнем, но постоянно говорил только о себе.
Предлагаем подробно ознакомиться с правилом «когда употребляется would и used to».
3. Настойчивость или отказ от выполнения действия
Это значение используется в утвердительных предложениях для выражения настойчивости и в отрицаниях – отказ. На русский язык обычно переводятся словами: продолжает, никак не хочет, ни за что не хочет.
Примеры предложений:
– I ask her to stop talking but she will. – Я прошу ее прекратить разговор, а она продолжает.
– He was wet through, but he wouldn’t change. – Он промок насквозь, но не хотел переодеваться.
– Dad! Tim won’t give me back my guitar. – Папа! Тим не отдает мою гитару.
4. Неодушевленные предметы отказываются выполнять свою непосредственную функцию
В этом случае два модальных глагола используются в отрицательных предложениях, и за ними идет Indefinite Infinitive. На русский язык переводится следующим образом: никак не пишет / не писала, никак не открывается / не открывалась и тому подобное.
– My pen won’t / wouldn’t write. – Моя ручка не пишет / не писала.
– The suitcase won’t / wouldn’t open. – Чемодан никак не открывается / не открывался.
5. Вежливые предложения и просьбы
Такое значение используется только в вопросах:
– Will you bring us the menu, please? – Принесите нам меню, пожалуйста?
– Would you lend me your cell phone for a moment? – Ты не могла бы мне одолжить свой мобильный на минутку?
Нет никакой разницы между двумя глаголами в этом пункте; роль слова Would в форме сослагательного наклонения состоит в том, чтобы просьба звучала еще более вежливой.
Давайте посмотрим, какие лексические эквиваленты можно использовать в этом значении:
– Could you…? – c помощью модального глагола Can (Could);
– May I ask you…? – Модальный глагол May (Might);
– I offer you…
6. Предположение, подразумевающее сильную вероятность
Здесь только will используется со ссылкой на будущее или настоящее время в сочетании с простым инфинитивом. Комбинация с перфектным инфинитивом дает нам знать, что предложение относится к прошедшему времени. Это значение встречается со вторым и третьим лицами единственного и множественного числа.
Примеры:
– This will be the university, I believe. – Это, по-видимому, и есть университет.
– I sent the invitations on Wednesday, so he will have received them by now. Why hasn’t he replied? – Я отправила приглашения в среду, вероятно, он их уже получил. Почему он не ответил?
Следует отметить, что употребление глагола в этом значении не распространено.
7. Глаголы, с помощью которых мы звучим вежливо
Часто would используется со словами, такими как advise, imagine, recommend, say, suggest, think:
– advise = I’d advise you not to tell her the truth. – Я бы посоветовал не говорить ей правду.
– imagine = I’d imagine that job is very stressful for you. – Полагаю, эта работа для тебя очень напряженная.
– recommend = I’d recommend that you try this size. (formal) – Я бы рекомендовал вам примерить этот размер.
– say = I’d say you are about 30. – Я бы сказала, тебе около тридцати.
– suggest = We’d suggest that you take this route. It’s more scenic. (formal) – Мы бы предложили вам воспользоваться этим маршрутом. Он живописней.
– think = It’s much further than Manchester, I would think. – Думаю, это гораздо дальше, чем Манчестер.
Устойчивые фразы с Will and Would
- a) Will not have (won’t have) somebody do something – Я не допущу, чтобы…;
- b) Would rather (‘d rather)/ would sooner (‘d sooner) do smth – Предпочитаю/ пожалуй…;
- c) Would…mind… – Возражать против чего-то;
- d) Would like / would love – Хотелось бы/ Сделаю с удовольствием.
Мини-таблица всего правила:
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Will would разница между глаголами
Will используется для того, чтобы просить других делать что-то для кого-то. “Will you” – очень прямолинейная фраза почти приказ. Модальный глагол Would – это вежливая форма. Сравните два предложения:
– Would you help me carry this, please?
– Will you help me carry it NOW – I’m dropping it!
- 1. Вежливая просьба:
Help me! = Will you help me, please? / Help me, will you please?
- 2. Резкие просьбы и приказы:
Утвердительная форма will используется, если кто-то на чем-то сердито настаивает, а отрицание won’t употребляется, чтобы умолять или просить:
– Be quite! = Will you be quite! / Be quite, will you? / Be quite, won’t you?
Где еще можно найти глаголы Will/Would
Will would правило простое, но немаленькое, так как эти глаголы могут встречаться и в других темах. Посмотрим в каких:
- 1. Future in the past – будущее в прошедшем.
Example:
– My sister said that she would be working at this time tomorrow. – Сестра сказала, что завтра в это время будет работать.
- 2. Indirect speech (Reported speech) – Косвенная речь.
Example:
Прямая речь: Neil said, “I will go to Minsk”. – Нил сказал: «Я поеду в Минск».
Косвенная речь: Neil said that he would go to Minsk. – Нил сказал, что поедет в Минск.
- 3. Conditionals – условные предложения.
Example:
– If I had a car I would drive to Amsterdam. – Если бы у меня была машина, я бы поехал в Амстердам. (Second Conditional).
- 4. Future forms – Будущие формы. А также предлагаем вспомнить, когда употребляется will и going to.
Тест
Вы узнали всю необходимую информацию на данную тему, теперь попробуйте пройти небольшое тестирование.
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Загрузка…
В этой статье мы разберем формы будущего времени и узнаем, в каких случаях лучше употреблять то или иное время и конструкцию.
Содержание:
- 1. Время Future Simple
- 2. Конструкция to be going to do smth
- 3. Разница между Future Simple и to be going to do smth
- 4. Время Present Simple
- 5. Время Present Continuous
- 6. Разница между Present Simple и Present Continuous
- 7. Время Future Continuous
- 8. Время Future Perfect Simple
- 9. Время Future Perfect Continuous
- 10. Разница между Future Perfect Simple и Future Perfect Continuous
- 11. Другие способы выражения будущего времени в английском языке
В английском языке существует несколько способов говорить о будущем. В статье вас ждет информация о разных формах выражения будущего времени, актуальные примеры, а также сравнение всех способов.
Начнем с двух наиболее популярных способов выразить будущее время в английском языке — Future Simple и конструкции to be going to do smth.
Время Future Simple
Future Simple Tense (простое будущее время в английском языке) — это время указывает на действие, которое, вероятно, произойдет в ближайшем или неопределенном будущем.
Образование Future Simple
Давайте посмотрим, как образуется будущее время в английском языке.
Утвердительное предложение в Future Simple
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + смысловой глагол без частицы to
I will (I’ll) read this novel soon. — Я скоро прочту этот роман.
Perhaps, we will (we’ll) go on a trip to Italy. — Возможно, мы поедем в Италию.
Отрицательное предложение в Future Simple
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + частица not + смысловой глагол без частицы to
I will not (won’t) play this game. — Я не буду играть в эту игру.
She will not (won’t) pass the exam. — Она не сдаст экзамен.
Вопросительное предложение в Future Simple
Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + смысловой глагол без частицы to
Will they help us choose the furniture? — Они помогут нам выбрать мебель?
Will he make a birthday wish? — Он загадает желание на день рождения?
Также в вопросах может встречаться глагол shall. Он используется, чтобы предложить помощь или что-то сделать вместе. Shall употребляется только с местоимениями I и we.
Shall we proceed? — Давайте продолжим?
Shall I help you with your bags? — Помочь тебе нести сумки?
Shall we eat out tonight? — Поужинаем где-нибудь сегодня вечером?
Употребление Future Simple
Давайте узнаем, когда используется Future Simple.
- Спонтанные решения, принятые в момент речи
Время Future Simple служит для того, чтобы объявить о своем решении в момент его принятия.
— The phone’s ringing.
— Oh, I’ll pick it up.
— Звонит телефон.
— О, я отвечу.— We’ve run out of sugar.
— No problem. I’ll buy some this afternoon.
— У нас закончился сахар.
— Не проблема. Я куплю его сегодня днем.— We need to leave now.
— No, I won’t go anywhere.
— Нам нужно уходить сейчас же.
— Нет, я никуда не пойду. - Обещания
Future Simple используется, когда мы что-то обещаем. Часто в таких предложениях употребляется глагол to promise (обещать).
I promise I will take care of your cat. — Я обещаю, что позабочусь о твоем коте.
I will always love you. — Я всегда буду любить тебя. - Предложения
Future Simple используется для выражения предложения что-то сделать. Напомним, что в данной функции в вопросительных предложениях может встречаться глагол shall.
Do you feel bad? I’ll bring you some medicine. — Ты плохо себя чувствуешь? Я принесу тебе лекарства.
Shall we take a coffee break? — Прервемся на кофе? - Угрозы
Future Simple используется для выражения угрозы.
You will regret your decision. — Ты пожалеешь о своем решении.
Stop there or I will shoot. — Стойте на месте, или я буду стрелять. - Предсказания, основанные на мнении говорящего
Future Simple используется для предсказаний, которые основываются исключительно на опыте и мнении говорящего. Когда мы используем will, говоря о будущем, у нас нет фактов, подтверждающих то, что действие произойдет.
В этой функции часто используются такие маркеры Future Simple, как I think (я думаю), I reckon (я думаю), I guess (я догадываюсь), I believe (я верю/считаю), I suppose (я предполагаю), I assume (я предполагаю), I’m sure (я уверен), I hope (я надеюсь), I’m afraid (я боюсь) и другие, а также слова perhaps/maybe (возможно), probably (вероятно), certainly (конечно).
I reckon he will make a good father. — Я думаю, он будет хорошим отцом.
I will not succeed in this business. — Я не преуспею в этом деле. - Будущие события, которые нельзя изменить
Future Simple используется в ситуациях, когда действие, о котором идет речь, точно произойдет, и мы ничего не можем изменить. То есть в этих ситуациях от нас ничего не зависит.
He’ll turn 60 in May. — В мае ему исполнится 60.
Хотите попрактиковаться в выборе верной формы выражения будущего времени? Записывайтесь на курс практической грамматики.
Конструкция to be going to do smth
Конструкция to be going to do smth в английском языке используется, чтобы сообщить о своих планах или намерениях что-то сделать в будущем. В разговорной речи очень популярна сокращенная форма оборота to be going to do smth — to be gonna do smth.
Формы конструкции to be going to do smth
Давайте посмотрим на использование конструкции to be going to do smth в утвердительных, отрицательных и вопросительных предложениях.
Утвердительное предложение с конструкцией to be going to
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + going to + основная форма глагола без частицы to
I’m going to take an IELTS exam. — Я собираюсь сдавать IELTS.
We are going to throw a party. — Мы собираемся устроить вечеринку.
He is going to ask her on a date. — Он собирается пригласить ее на свидание.
Отрицательное предложение с конструкцией to be going to
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + частица not + going to + основная форма глагола без частицы to
I am not going to tell her about my plans. — Я не собираюсь рассказывать ей о своих планах.
They are not going to invite any of my friends. — Они не собираются приглашать никого из моих друзей.
She isn’t going to go abroad. — Она не собирается уезжать за границу.
Вопросительное предложение с конструкцией to be going to
Вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + подлежащее + going to + основная форма глагола без частицы to
Are you going to have lunch with me? — Ты собираешься пообедать со мной?
Is she going to get married? — Она собирается выйти замуж?
Are they going to ask him for help? — Они собираются попросить у него помощи?
Функции to be going to do smth
- Планы и намерения
Употребление конструкции to be going to do smth выражает наши намерения или планы.
He’s studying medicine. He’s going to become a doctor. — Он изучает медицину. Он собирается стать врачом.
She’s not going to enter the university. — Она не собирается поступать в университет. - Предсказания будущего, основанные на очевидных фактах
Мы используем оборот to be going to do smth, чтобы указать на событие, которое вот-вот произойдет или уже начинает происходить. В данном случае говорящий обычно видит какое-то доказательство этому, поэтому сказанное им не является его личным мнением.
Wow! Look at the trees! They’re going to blossom. — Ух ты! Посмотри на деревья! Они скоро зацветут.
The sun’s shining brightly. So, it’s going to be a beautiful day. — Солнце светит ярко. День будет чудесным.
Разговорная форма конструкции to be going to do smth — to be gonna do smth
В фильмах, сериалах и неформальной переписке вместо конструкции to be going to do smth употребляется ее разговорный эквивалент to be gonna do smth. Основной глагол после gonna используется без частицы to (I’m gonna do it). Вопросительные и отрицательные предложения строятся так же, как и с to be going to do smth.
I’m going to lay the table. = I’m gonna lay the table. — Я собираюсь накрыть на стол.
She’s not going to record the album. = She’s not gonna record the album. — Она не собирается записывать альбом.
Is he going to help me? = Is he gonna help me? — Он собирается мне помогать?
Разница между Future Simple и to be going to do smth
Давайте посмотрим, чем отличаются время Future Simple и конструкция to be going to do smth.
Future Simple | To be going to do smth |
---|---|
Спонтанное решение
— Oh, there isn’t any milk. |
Запланированное решение
I’m going to buy her a birthday present. — Я собираюсь купить ей подарок на день рождения. |
Предсказание, основанное на мнении говорящего
I guess, he’ll pass the test. — Я думаю, он сдаст тест. |
Предсказание, основанное на очевидных фактах
Oh, now. That girl is going to fall off her bike now. — О, нет. Вон та девочка сейчас упадет с велосипеда. |
Время Present Simple
Present Simple — простое настоящее время, которое также используют для выражения будущего. Перед тем как перейти к случаям его использования, давайте вспомним схему его образования.
Образование Present Simple
Утвердительное предложение в Present Simple
I/You/We/They + смысловой глагол
He/She/It + смысловой глагол с окончанием -s
Please, hurry up! The train leaves in 5 minutes! — Пожалуйста, поторопись! Поезд уезжает через 5 минут.
The restaurant closes at midnight. — Ресторан закрывается в полночь.
Отрицательное предложение в Present Simple
I/You/We/They + вспомогательный глагол do + частица not + смысловой глагол
He/She/It + вспомогательный глагол does + частица not + смысловой глагол
The bus doesn’t stop in Venice. We go directly to Rome. — Автобус не останавливается в Венеции. Мы едем прямо в Рим.
She doesn’t celebrate her birthday tomorrow. — Она завтра не празднует свой день рождения
Вопросительное предложение в Present Simple
Вспомогательный глагол do + I/you/we/they + смысловой глагол
Вспомогательный глагол does + he/she/it + смысловой глагол
Does the concert start at 9 p.m.? We are so late! — Концерт начинается в 9 вечера? Мы очень опаздываем!
What time do you finish work tomorrow? — Во сколько ты заканчиваешь завтра работать?
Употребление Present Simple в будущем
- Present Simple используется для выражения будущего, когда говорим о расписании (транспорта, кино).
The final episode of The Big Bang Theory is on Wednesday. — Финальная серия «Теории Большого взрыва» будет в среду.
I’ve just checked the bus timetable in my app. The last bus leaves at 11 p.m. — Я только что проверила расписание автобусов в приложении. Последний автобус отправится в 11 часов вечера. - Present Simple можно употреблять, когда речь идет о событиях и планах, если они зафиксированы и мы не можем их изменить.
What time does our meeting start? — В котором часу начнется наше собрание?
I have a doctor appointment on Monday. — У меня прием у врача в понедельник. - Используйте Present Simple после слов after (после), before (до), as soon as (как только), when (когда), once (когда, как только) и until (до тех пор, пока).
As soon as she arrives, please, ask her to come in. — Как только она приедет, пожалуйста, попроси ее зайти.
Have your lunch before you leave. — Пообедай, перед тем как уйдешь.
Время Present Continuous
С помощью времени Present Continuous также можно выразить планы и намерения. Давайте посмотрим, как образуется время Present Continuous.
Образование Present Continuous
Утвердительное предложение в Present Continuous
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + смысловой глагол с окончанием -ing
He is running his first ultramarathon tomorrow. — Он бежит свой первый ультрамарафон завтра.
We are celebrating Katy’s 21st birthday next weekend. — Мы празднуем 21-й день рождения Кэйти на следующих выходных.
Отрицательное предложение в Present Continuous
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + частица not + смысловой глагол с окончанием -ing
I am not working tomorrow. It’s my first day off this month! — Я завтра не работаю. Это мой первый выходной в этом месяце!
Their trip got cancelled, so I am not taking them to the station. — Их поездка отменилась, поэтому я не отвожу их завтра на вокзал.
Вопросительное предложение в Present Continuous
Вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + подлежащее + смысловой глагол с окончанием -ing
What time are you leaving? — Во сколько ты уходишь?
Are you working late again next week? — Ты опять работаешь допоздна на следующей неделе?
Употребление Present Continuous в будущем
- Время Present Continuous используется для обозначения запланированного действия, которое произойдет в ближайшем будущем. В таких предложениях, как правило, присутствуют слова today (сегодня), tonight (сегодня вечером), tomorrow (завтра), next week (на следующей неделе), in May (в мае) и т. д.
We are meeting for dinner on Saturday night. You can come if you want. — Мы встречаемся на ужин в субботу вечером. Можешь прийти, если хочешь.
Ted has come back from his business trip so I am not babysitting his son tomorrow. — Тед вернулся из командировки, поэтому я завтра не нянчусь с его сыном. - Время Present Continuous употребляется, когда говорим о действии, которое собираемся совершить сразу же после того, как упомянули о нем. В таких предложениях используем глаголы движения: go (идти), come (приходить), arrive ( приезжать), leave (уходить) и др.
I need to get dressed. Give me a moment and I am coming. — Мне нужно одеться. Дай мне минутку, и я иду.
Sorry, I can’t wait anymore. I’m leaving. — Извини, я не могу больше ждать. Я ухожу.
Разница между Present Simple и Present Continuous
Давайте посмотрим, чем отличаются времена Present Simple и Present Continuous, когда речь идет о будущем.
Present Simple | Present Continuous |
---|---|
Расписание, программа
— What time does the ferry arrive at the harbor? |
Запланированное действие
— What time are you arriving tomorrow? |
Время Future Continuous
Образование Future Continuous
Утвердительное предложение в Future Continuous
Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will be + смысловой глагол с окончанием -ing
I will be driving all day tomorrow to get there in time. — Я буду ехать весь день завтра, чтобы прибыть туда вовремя.
They will be living in a new house when you come back from New Zealand. — Они будут жить в новом доме, когда ты вернешься из Новой Зеландии.
Отрицательное предложение в Future Continuous
Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will be + частица not + смысловой глагол с окончанием -ing
She will not be working on Monday. — Она не будет работать в понедельник.
You can call me, I will not be sleeping. — Можешь мне позвонить, я не буду спать.
Вопросительное предложение в Future Continuous
Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол be + смысловой глагол с окончанием -ing
What will you be doing when I leave? — Что ты будешь делать, когда я уйду?
Will they be watching series all evening again? — Они опять будут смотреть сериал весь вечер?
Употребление Future Continuous
Теперь давайте разберем, в каких случаях это время необходимо.
- Используем Future Continuous, когда говорим о продолжительном действии, которое будет происходить в будущем в какой-то период времени. Это время может быть указано или понятно из контекста.
I will be meditating, so don’t disturb me, please. — Я буду медитировать, поэтому не беспокой меня, пожалуйста.
Sir, you will be giving your speech at the end of the ceremony. Please, be ready. — Сэр, вы будете произносить речь в конце церемонии. Пожалуйста, будьте готовы. - Future Continuous употребляется в вежливых вопросах.
Could you tell me if we will be visiting Saint Paul’s Cathedral today? — Не могли бы вы сказать, будем ли мы посещать Собор Святого Павла сегодня?
Excuse me, what time will you be giving the interview? — Извините, в котором часу вы будете давать интервью?
Время Future Perfect Simple
Образование Future Perfect Simple
Утвердительное предложение в Future Perfect Simple
Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will have + смысловой глагол в 3-й форме
I will have cleaned my room by the time mum gets home. — Я уберу комнату до того, как мама вернется домой.
They will have received the invitation by the end of the week. — Они получат приглашение до конца недели.
Отрицательное предложение в Future Perfect Simple
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + частица not + вспомогательный глагол have + смысловой глагол в 3-й форме
I will not have finished reading this book by evening. Give me more time! — Я не закончу читать эту книгу до вечера. Дай мне больше времени!
Susan will not have found a new job by that time. — Сьюзан не найдет работу к тому времени.
Вопросительное предложение в Future Perfect Simple
Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол have + смысловой глагол в 3-й форме
Will you have introduced us to your fiance before your wedding? — Ты познакомишь нас со своим женихом до свадьбы?
Will we have finished our course by the end of the year? — Мы закончим наш курс до конца года?
Употребление Future Perfect Simple
Используем Future Perfect Simple для действий, которые будут завершены до определенного момента в будущем. Наиболее популярное слово-маркер этого времени — by (к какому-то моменту).
I will have got my driver’s license by June. — Я получу свое водительское удостоверение к июню.
They will have left by the time we arrive. — Они уйдут к тому времени, как мы приедем.
Mother will have finished cooking by the time you come from school. — Мама закончит готовить к тому времени, как ты придешь со школы.
Время Future Perfect Continuous
Образование Future Perfect Continuous
Утвердительное предложение в Future Perfect Continuous
Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will have been + смысловой глагол с окончанием -ing
By the evening it will have been snowing for 18 hours. — К вечеру снег будет идти уже 18 часов.
By the end of the year I will have been working here for two years. — К концу года я проработаю здесь два года.
Отрицательное предложение в Future Perfect Continuous
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + частица not + вспомогательные глаголы have been + смысловой глагол с окончанием -ing
She will not have been working long enough by April to participate in a conference. — До апреля она не проработает достаточно, чтобы участвовать в конференции.
We will not have been talking for a month by next Friday. — К следующей пятнице мы не будем разговаривать уже месяц.
Вопросительное предложение в Future Perfect Continuous
Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы have been + смысловой глагол с окончанием -ing
Will you have been studying German for three years next month? — В следующем месяце ты будешь изучать немецкий уже три года?
Will they have been living here for 20 years by 2025? — Они проживут здесь 20 лет к 2025 году?
Употребление Future Perfect Continuous
- Используем Future Perfect Continuous, когда говорим о действии, которое будет продолжаться до определенного момента в будущем или другого действия.
I will have been teaching her Spanish for a year by the time she visits Spain. — Я буду обучать ее испанскому год к тому времени, как она поедет в Испанию.
How long will you have been waiting for her when she finally arrives in the evening? — Как долго ты будешь ее ждать, когда она наконец-то придет вечером? - Используем Future Perfect Continuous, когда необходимо указать причину какого-либо действия в будущем. В таких предложениях присутствует союз so (поэтому) или because (потому что).
She will feel much better after she visits the psychologist because they will have been discussing all her worries and problems. — Она будет чувствовать себя намного лучше после того, как посетит психолога, потому что они будут обсуждать все ее переживания и проблемы.
They will have been working in the garden since early morning, so they will be exhausted. — Они будут работать в саду с раннего утра, поэтому будут очень уставшими.
She will have been singing for an hour so she will need a few bottles of warm water. — Она будет петь в течении часа, поэтому ей понадобятся несколько бутылок теплой воды.
Разница между Future Perfect Simple и Future Perfect Continuous
Давайте посмотрим, чем отличаются времена Future Perfect Simple и Future Perfect Continuous.
Future Perfect Simple | Future Perfect Continuous |
---|---|
Акцент делается на результате действия и его завершенности
By 3 o’clock he will have finished working on his graduation speech. — К 3-м часам он закончит работать над его речью на выпускной. |
Акцент делается на продолжительности действия
By 3 o’clock he will have been working on his graduation speech for five hours. — К 3-м часам он будет работать над его речью для выпускного уже пять часов. |
Другие способы выражения будущего времени в английском языке
- Когда вы знаете, что что-то должно произойти в будущем, можно использовать конструкцию to be to do something. Она употребляется в формальных ситуациях и приказах, новостных репортажах.
The Prime Minister is to come to open a new hospital tomorrow. — Премьер-министр приедет завтра, чтобы открыть новую больницу.
The court is to pronounce a sentence next week. — Суд вынесет приговор на следующей неделе.
You are to patrol the district tonight. — Ты будешь патрулировать район сегодня вечером. - Конструкцию to be about to do something используем для описания действия, которое вот-вот произойдет.
Please, stop talking. The film is about to start. — Пожалуйста, перестаньте разговаривать. Фильм вот-вот начнется.
Do something! Don’t you see we are about to lose the game! — Сделай что-нибудь! Разве ты не видишь, что мы вот-вот проиграем игру! - Когда вы ожидаете, что что-то должно произойти в будущем, используйте фразу to be due to do something.
They are due to pay back the loan next month. — Они должны погасить кредит в следующем месяце.
She is due to come back tomorrow morning. — Она должна вернутся завтра утром.С этой конструкцией часто используются следующие временные маркеры: tomorrow (завтра), next month (в следующем месяце), at 12 o’clock (в 12 часов).
Надеемся, статья о способах выражения будущего времени в английском языке была для вас полезной и интересной. Чтобы закрепить материал, смотрите вебинары Юлии Гавриленко — методиста нашей школы: «Будущее время в английском языке: начальный уровень» и «Будущее время в английском языке: средний уровень».
Тест по теме «Способы выражения будущего времени в английском языке»
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Говорить о будущем на английском языке можно несколькими способами, главное – в них не запутаться. Из статьи вы узнаете обо всех формах выражения будущего времени и поймете, когда и как их используют.
1. Конструкция to be going to do something
Предлагаем начать изучение способов выражения будущего с популярной конструкции to be going to do something.
Для начала рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений с конструкцией to be going to do something.
Утвердительное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + going to + основная форма глагола без частицы to |
He is going to take an exam this summer. – Он собирается сдавать экзамен этим летом. |
Отрицательное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + частица not + going to + основная форма глагола без частицы to |
I’m not going to argue with you. – Я не собираюсь спорить с тобой. |
Вопросительное предложение:
Вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + подлежащее + going to + основная форма глагола без частицы to |
Are they going to speak to us later? – Они собираются поговорить с нами позже? |
Из примеров видно, что конструкция to be going to do something чаще всего переводится как «собираться что-то сделать».
В разговорной речи и в неформальной переписке употребляется сокращенный вариант конструкции to be going to do something – to be gonna do something.
Are you gonna help me? – Ты собираешься мне помогать?
She’s not gonna tell you her secret. – Она не расскажет тебе свой секрет.
Функции to be going to do something:
- Намерения и планы
С помощью конструкции to be going to do something мы можем рассказать о своих планах или намерениях.
They are not going to paint their bedroom tomorrow. – Они не собираются завтра красить свою спальню.
Are you going to enter the university after school or take a gap year? – Ты собираешься поступать в университет после школы или год отдохнешь?
- Предсказания на основании очевидных фактов
Когда предсказания говорящего подкреплены тем, что он видит, слышит или знает – велика вероятность того, что событие произойдет.
The sky is so black. It’s going to snow. – Небо такое темное. Пойдет снег.
Look at the traffic jam! We are going to miss the plane. — Посмотри на эту пробку! Мы опоздаем на самолет.
2. Future Simple
Простое будущее время, которое служит для выражения действий и событий в будущем. Давайте рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Future Simple.
Утвердительное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + смысловой глагол без частицы to |
We will go abroad on vocation. – Мы поедем в отпуск за границу. |
Отрицательное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + частица not + смысловой глагол без частицы to |
I will not invite her to the party. – Я не буду приглашать ее на вечеринку. |
Вопросительное предложение:
Вспомогательный глагол will/shall + подлежащее + смысловой глагол без частицы to |
Will you help me with the task? – Ты поможешь мне с этим заданием? Shall I open the window? – Мне открыть окно? |
Стоит обратить внимание на сокращенные формы, распространенные в разговорной речи: I’ll, he’ll, you’ll и won’t.
Функции Future Simple:
- Обещания или угрозы
Мы используем это время, когда хотим пообещать что-то сделать или не сделать.
Lisa will help you with this task in the evening. – Лиза поможет тебе с этим заданием вечером.
I promise I will love you forever! – Я обещаю, что буду любить тебя вечно!
You’ll regret about the words and your behaviour. – Вы пожалеете о своих словах и поведении.
- Предложения
В вопросительном предложении с помощью will можно предложить сделать что-либо.
Will I take your bag? – Взять твою сумку?
Will можно заменить на shall, но только с местоимениями I и we.
Shall we make a break? – Сделаем перерыв?
- Спонтанные решения
Future Simple используется для того, чтобы выразить решение, принятое в момент речи.
– The music is so loud, I can’t concentrate.
– I’ll switch it off.
– Музыка такая громкая, не могу сосредоточиться.
– Я выключу ее.Tea or coffee… I’ll take a cup of coffee. – Чай или кофе… Возьму чашечку кофе.
- Предсказания
Человек делает предсказание, опираясь исключительно на свое мнение. В таких предложениях возможно встретить следующие слова и выражения: I think (думаю), I believe/consider (считаю), I hope (надеюсь), I assume (предполагаю), maybe (может быть), certainly (конечно), probably (наверное).
I’m sure you will like the book! – Я уверен, тебе понравится книга.
Lovely newlyweds! They’ll be very happy together. – Прекрасные новобрачные! Они будут очень счастливы вместе.
- Будущий факт
Для описания будущего события, которое обязательно произойдет, и никто не в силах изменить это.
He’ll be 18 in a month! Time flies… – Ему будет 18 через месяц! Время летит…
- В составе условных предложений первого типа (First Conditional)
If it doesn’t rain, we’ll go to the park. – Если не будет дождя, мы пойдем в парк.
She’ll cook us dinner if we inform about the time of arrival. – Она приготовит нам ужин, если мы сообщим о времени прибытия.
3. Выбор между to be going to do something и Future Simple
У конструкции to be going to do something и времени Future Simple есть ряд функций, которые кажутся похожими или даже идентичными:
- Предсказания
Для выражения предсказаний мы можем использовать оба способа. Отметим, для to be going to do something характерно предсказание на основе увиденного или фактов, тогда как Future Simple употребляется для предсказаний на основе личного мнения говорящего, его опыта.
Ask them not to kick the ball here. They are going to break the window. – Попроси их не пинать тут мяч. Они разобьют окно. (говорящий видит, что в мяч играют очень близко к окнам)
I think the Liberal party will win the elections, but not easy. – Я думаю, либеральная партия победит на выборах, но это будет нелегко. (мнение говорящего)
- Планы vs спонтанные решения
Обратите внимание, что используя to be going to do something вы говорите о планах или решениях, принятых или обдуманных заранее, тогда как Future Simple указывает на спонтанность решения.
He is going to fly to China after the divorce to start a new life. – Он собирается улететь в Китай после развода, чтобы начать новую жизнь. (описание планов на основании принятого решения)
– There are two in this size – blue and brown.
– OK! I’ll take a blue one! Blue suits me.
– Есть два такого размера – голубое и коричневое.
– Ок! Возьму голубое! Голубой мне идет. (решение принято спонтанно)
4. Время Present Simple для будущего
Хорошо знакомое каждому студенту простое настоящее время также может использоваться для выражения будущего действия. Рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Present Simple.
Утвердительное предложение:
I/You/We/They + смысловой глагол He/She/It + смысловой глагол с окончанием —s |
Her train arrives at 8.35 a.m. tomorrow morning. – Ее поезд прибывает завтра утром в 8:35. |
Отрицательное предложение:
I/You/We/They + вспомогательный глагол do + частица not + смысловой глагол He/She/It + вспомогательный глагол does + частица not + смысловой глагол |
The plain doesn’t depart in two hours. – Самолет не вылетит через два часа. |
Вопросительное предложение:
Вспомогательный глагол do + I/you/we/they + смысловой глагол Вспомогательный глагол does + he/she/it + смысловой глагол |
What time does the store open tomorrow? – В какое время завтра откроется магазин? |
Функции Present Simple для описания событий в будущем:
- Будущие события по расписанию
Когда говорим о расписании: прибытие/отправление поездов, автобусов, работы магазинов, музеев, офисов и т. д.
What time does the movie start tonight? – В какое время сегодня вечером начнется фильм?
The train to Ottawa leaves at 11.30 a.m. – Поезд в Оттаву отправляется в 11:30 утра.
Обратите внимание, что при упоминании событий, которые происходят по расписанию, вы можете встретить следующие глаголы: to arrive (прибывать), to be (быть), to begin (начинать), to close (закрывать), to open (открывать), to depart (отправляться), to end/finish (заканчивать, завершать), to fly (вылетать, прилетать) to leave (покидать, уезжать), to start (начинать).
- События и планы, которые невозможно изменить
Речь идет о собрании с назначенной датой, визите к врачу, конференции, матче и т. д.
Our meeting starts on Friday at 9.00. – Наша встреча начнется в пятницу в 9 часов.
The doctor has a patient in half an hour. – Доктор примет пациента через полчаса.
5. Время Present Continuous для будущего
Present Continuous также может использоваться для описания событий, которые произойдут в будущем. Давайте рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Present Continuous.
Утвердительное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing |
I am meeting some friends today after work. – Я встречаюсь с друзьями сегодня после работы. |
Отрицательное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + частица not + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing |
I’m not seeing the doctor tomorrow. – Я не иду к врачу завтра. |
Вопросительное предложение:
Вспомогательный глагол am/is/are + подлежащее + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing |
Are you getting married on the 1st of June? – Вы женитесь 1 июня? |
Функции Present Continuous для будущего:
- Планы
Речь идет о согласованных заранее планах, которые будут реализованы в ближайшем будущем.
Если вы говорите о планах, то можно использовать и to be going to do something, и Present Continuous. В отношении планов, согласованных предварительно, оба времени равнозначны.
Max is buying a new car next month. – Макс покупает себе новую машину в следующем месяце.
They are flying on vacation to Europe in April. – Они полетят в отпуск в Европу в апреле.
- Выражение будущих событий, которые произойдут незамедлительно
Такие события, как правило, выражаются глаголами движения, например: to go (идти), to arrive (прибывать), to leave (уходить), to come (приходить) и т. д.
She’s coming in 5 minutes, let’s wait for her. – Она приедет через 5 минут, давайте подождем ее.
I’m leaving soon because I feel awkward here. – Я вскоре уеду, потому что я чувствую себя здесь неловко.
6. Выбор между Present Simple и Present Continuous
Present Simple выражает планы, связанные с расписанием, а Present Continuous употребляется для фиксированных планов личного характера.
Hurry up! The film starts at 9 o’clock. – Поспешим! Фильм начнется в 9 часов. (расписание сеансов в кинотеатре)
Brenda and Josh are getting married in a month. – Бренда и Джош поженятся через месяц. (личный план)
7. Future Continuous
Длительное будущее время, которое употребляется, чтобы подчеркнуть продолжительность действия в будущем. Рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Future Continuous.
Утвердительное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will be + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing |
Tomorrow this time I will be driving to Oxford. – Завтра в это время я буду ехать в Оксфорд. |
Отрицательное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will be + частица not + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing |
Tom won’t be playing football from 6 till 8. – Том не будет играть в футбол с 6 до 8. |
Вопросительное предложение:
Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол be + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing |
Will she be sleeping the whole day? – Она будет спать весь день? |
Функции Future Continuous:
- Продолжительное действие, которое произойдет в будущем в какой-то период времени
Время может быть понятно из контекста или указано с помощью таких словосочетаний: all day long (весь день), this time tomorrow (в это время завтра), the whole evening (весь вечер), from … till/to ( с … до/по).
We will be playing golf from 5 till 6 at our course. – Мы будем играть в гольф с 5 до 6 на нашем поле.
I’ll be eating with Jane this evening at 9 p.m. – Сегодня в 9 вечера я буду ужинать с Джейн.
- Вежливый вопрос
Will you be bringing your friend to the pub tonight? – Ты сегодгя приведешь друзей в паб?
Will you be showing us your latest works or the old ones only? – Вы будете нам показывать свои последние работы или только старые?
- Со словом-маркером still
Событие, которое уже происходит и будет продолжаться в будущем некоторое время, в сочетании со словом still (все еще, по-прежнему).
In an hour I’ll still be ironing my clothes. – Через час я все еще буду гладить одежду.
Will she still be wearing a size ten next year? – Будет ли она по-прежнему носить десятый размер в следующем году?
8. Future Perfect
У группы времен Perfect есть и свое будущее время – Future Perfect. Оно используется для выражения действия, которое произойдет к определенному моменту в будущем. Давайте рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Future Perfect.
Утвердительное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will have + смысловой глагол в 3-й форме |
The runners will have covered 100 km distance by the end of the day. – Бегуны преодолеют расстояние в 100 км к концу дня. |
Отрицательное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + частица not + вспомогательный глагол have + смысловой глагол в 3-й форме |
I won’t have found the way out by June – it’s impossible! – Я не найду выход из этой ситуации к июню, это невозможно! |
Вопросительное предложение:
Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол have + смысловой глагол в 3-й форме |
Will you have read this novel by the time of the exam? – Ты прочтешь этот роман к экзамену? |
Функция Future Perfect:
Future Perfect используется для обозначения завершенного действия к определенному моменту в будущем. Этот момент может быть обозначен следующими словами: by (к какому-то времени/моменту), by the time (к тому времени как), before (перед тем как), when (когда), until/till (до того как).
Won’t they have arrived by 5? – Они не приедут к 5 часам?
By the time you read this, I will have left. – К тому времени, как ты будешь читать это, я уже уеду.
9. Future Perfect Continuous
Время Future Perfect Continuous довольно редко встречается. Рассмотрим, как строятся различные типы предложений в Future Perfect Continuous.
Утвердительное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы will have been + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing |
I will have been waiting for the boss for 3 hours by 6 o’clock. – К 6 часам я уже буду ждать начальника 3 часа. |
Отрицательное предложение:
Подлежащее + вспомогательный глагол will + частица not + вспомогательные глаголы have been + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing |
I will not have been eating sweets for a month by next Monday. – К следующему понедельнику я не буду есть конфеты уже месяц. |
Вопросительное предложение:
Вспомогательный глагол will + подлежащее + вспомогательные глаголы have been + смысловой глагол с окончанием —ing |
When I come, will you have been practicing? – Когда я приду, ты все еще будешь практиковаться? |
Функция Future Perfect Continuous:
Служит для обозначения действия, которое будет продолжаться до какого-то момента или другого действия в будущем. Продолжительность действия можно подчеркнуть предлогом for (в течение), а момент в будущем – by (к какому-то времени/моменту), when (когда) и др.
When I finish this course, I will have been learning English for ten years. – К моменту окончания этого курса я уже буду изучать английский в течение десяти лет.
By 2021 I will have been living in Moscow for fifteen years. – К 2021 году я буду проживать в Москве уже пятнадцать лет.
10. Выбор между Future Perfect и Future Perfect Continuous
На первый взгляд может показаться, что оба времени выполняют примерно одну функцию – выражают действие, которое случится к моменту в будущем. Если вы хотите обратить внимание на результат действия, которое случится в будущем и отметить, что оно будет завершено, стоит выбрать Future Perfect. Если же более важно подчеркнуть продолжительность действия, то тогда лучше выбрать Future Perfect Continuous.
By the next month he will have been painting his masterpiece for more than a year. – К следующему месяцу будет год, как он пишет свой шедевр.
By the next month he will have already painted his masterpiece. – К следующему месяцу он уже напишет свой шедевр.
11. Дополнительные способы выражения будущего
Мы познакомили вас сo многими способами сообщить о будущих событиях, но это еще не все. Добавим несколько конструкций, которыми тоже принято выражать действия в будущем:
- To be to do something – конструкция употребляется в новостях, приказах, формальных сообщениях.
The President is to give his speech in public. – Президент собирается выступить с речью перед аудиторией.
The judge is to pronounce a sentence after the last listening. – Судья вынесет приговор после последнего слушания.
- To be about to do something – конструкция используется для описания события, которое вот-вот произойдет или не произойдет.
He is about to return from France; he knows about his mom’s illness. – Он вот-вот вернется из Франции, он знает о болезни мамы.
- To be due to do something – конструкция употребляется для описания события, которое должно произойти в определенный момент времени.
The book is due to be finished by the end of the month. – Книга должна быть завершена к концу месяца.
The bloggers are due to arrive at the presentation at 10. – Блогеры должны прибыть на презентацию в 10.
- To be set to do something – быть настроенным сделать что-то.
After 5 years of practicing, I am set to sing this evening at a concert hall. – После 5 лет тренировок я настроен петь этим вечером в концертном зале.
We are set to go to the party with or without you. – Мы пойдем на вечеринку с тобой или без тебя.
Как видите, существует достаточно много способов выразить будущее действие и событие. Надеемся, вы будете применять на практике все те конструкции и времена, что мы разобрали в статье.
Тест
Способы выражения будущего времени
Если вы нашли ошибку, пожалуйста, выделите фрагмент текста и нажмите Ctrl+Enter.
The future is uncertain. We know the past. We know the present. We do not know the future. We can be 100% sure or certain about the past and the present. But we can never be 100% certain about the future. In English there are several structures and tenses to talk about the future. It is usually the degree of certainty about the future that decides our choice of structure or tense.
In this lesson we look at four of the most common ways to talk about the future, followed by a summary and then a quiz to check your understanding.
Although we often talk about «future tense», technically there are no future tense in English — only different ways of talking about the future, using special constructions, other tenses or modal verbs.
will
One of the most common ways to talk about the future is with will, for example: I will call you tonight. We often call this the «future simple tense», but technically there are no future tenses in English. In this construction, the word will is a modal auxiliary verb.
Here are the three main ways that we use will to talk about the future.
No plan
We use will when there is no prior plan or decision to do something before we speak. We make the decision at the time of speaking. Look at these examples:
- Hold on. I‘ll get a pen.
- We will see what we can do to help you.
- Maybe we‘ll stay in and watch television tonight.
In these examples, we had no firm plan before speaking. The decision was made at the time of speaking.
We often use will with the verb think:
- I think I‘ll go to the gym tomorrow.
- I think I‘ll have a holiday next year.
- I don’t think I‘ll buy that car.
Prediction
We often use will to make a prediction about the future. Again, there is no firm plan. We are saying what we think will happen. Here are some examples:
- It will rain tomorrow.
- People won’t go to Jupiter before the 22nd century.
- Who do you think will get the job?
be
The verb be is an exception with will. Even when we have a very firm plan, and we are not speaking spontaneously, we can use will with be. Look at these examples:
- I will be in London tomorrow.
- There will be 50 people at the party.
- The meeting will be at 9.30 am.
The verb be is always exceptional!
going to
Intention
We use the special going to construction when we have the intention to do something before we speak. We have already made a decision before speaking. Look at these examples:
- I have won $1,000. I am going to buy a new TV.
- We’re not going to see my mother tomorrow.
- When are you going to go on holiday?
In these examples, we had an intention or plan before speaking. The decision was made before we spoke.
Prediction
We often use going to to make a prediction about the future. Our prediction is based on evidence. We are saying what seems sure to happen. Here are some examples:
- The sky is very black. It is going to snow.
- It’s 8.30! You’re going to miss the train!
- I crashed the company car. My boss isn’t going to be very happy!
In these examples, the present situation (black sky/the time/damaged car) gives us a good idea of what is going to happen.
- We use will for prediction when we have no real evidence: «It will rain tomorrow.» (It’s my feeling but I can’t be sure.)
- We use going to for prediction when there is some real evidence: «It’s going to rain.» (There’s a big, black cloud in the sky and if it doesn’t rain I’ll be very surprised.)
Present Continuous for Plan
We often use the present continuous tense to talk about the future. Of course, we normally use the present continuous to talk about action happening in the present, but if we add a future word, we can use it to talk about the future. (By «future word» we mean words or expressions like tomorrow, next week, in June. The future word may be clearly expressed or understood from the context.)
Sometimes there is no real difference between an intention (going to) and a plan (present continuous). In this case, it doesn’t matter which we use.
- We’re going to paint the bedroom tomorrow.
- We’re painting the bedroom tomorrow.
We use the present continuous only when a plan exists before we speak. Look at these examples:
- Mary is taking her music exam next year.
- They can’t play tennis with you tomorrow. They‘re working.
- We‘re going to the theatre on Friday.
Present Simple for Schedule
When an event is on a schedule or timetable (for example, the take-off time for a plane), we often use the present simple to express the future. We usually also use a future phrase (expressed or understood) like tomorrow, at 6.30pm, next week.
Only a few verbs are used in this way, for example:
- be, open, close, begin, start, end, finish, arrive, come, leave, return
Look at these sentences:
- The train leaves Detroit at 9pm tonight.
- John starts work next week.
- Tomorrow is Thursday.
Future Time: Summary
When we speak, we choose the tense that we use. This is important in English, because the tense we choose expresses more than just a simple fact. When we speak about the future, the tense we choose can express how we «see» the future, even our personal feelings about the future. It certainly expresses what we believe to be the probability (the chance, the reality) of something happening or whether we have already decided to do it.
This table gives a simple scale of probability for each structure. It is not exact because language is not a science, and there are many variables. This table should help you to think about the «concept» of the future in English. This concept does not exist in all languages, but it is rather important in English.
% probability (before speaking) of event happening | structure | used for | example |
---|---|---|---|
0% | will | no plan | Don’t get up. I’ll answer the phone. |
70% | going to | intention | We’re going to watch TV tonight. |
90% | present continuous | plan | I’m taking my exam in June. |
99.999% | present simple | schedule | My plane takes off at 6.00am tomorrow. |
It is impossible in English to express the future with 100% certainty. (The speakers of any language that can do this must all be trillionaires!)
Contents
- 1 Advanced Grammar for IELTS: Modal verbs (3): will, would, shall – Diagnose Test, Grammar Explanation & Practice Exercises
- 1.1 Diagnostic Test: Modal Verbs (3): Will, Would, Shall
- 1.2 Grammar Explanation: Modal Verbs (3): Will, Would, Shall
- 1.2.1 Prediction and Certainty
- 1.2.2 Characteristics, Habits, and Routines
- 1.2.3 Willingness and Refusal
- 1.2.4 Other Uses Of Will/Shall/Would
- 1.2.5 Hypothetical Would
- 1.3 Practice Exercise
- 1.4 Answer Key for Diagnostic Test
- 1.5 Answer Key for Practice Exercise
Advanced Grammar for IELTS: Modal verbs (3): will, would, shall – Diagnose Test, Grammar Explanation & Practice Exercises
Modal verbs are the helping verbs that express ideas like ability, permission, necessity, etc. many of the modal verbs have more than one meaning and are followed by the verb’s simple form. These modal verbs are mainly used for academic writing task 2. You must know where to use these modal verbs to score a better band in the IELTS exam.
Diagnostic Test: Modal Verbs (3): Will, Would, Shall
Complete the sentences with the will, ‘ll, won’t, would, wouldn’t or shall and the correct form of the words in brackets.
Example:
- The new play on Broadway is really good, but I don’t like Sean Penn in it. Kevin Bacon__would be__(be) much better.
- We had to hurry to get him to the hospital. We knew it___(be) too late otherwise.
- ‘I wonder where Dad is.’ ‘He___(drive) to the airport, I should think.’
- ‘Oh, dear. The lecture starts at nine o’clock. I’m late!’ ‘Don’t worry. This lecturer’s always late. He ___(not/start) yet.’
- At this point in the season, the parents ____(eat) their young rather than allow a predator to attack them.
- The doctor____(act) as a witness to your signature. She doesn’t mind doing that sort of thing.
- The PA____(not/book) my flights. She says it isn’t in her job description.
- Dad____(always/help) us out financially when we were at university, however difficult it was for him.
- The police interrogated the terrorist for more than four hours, but she _____(not/reveal) the names of her co-conspirators.
- You look tired. ____(I/make) supper this evening?
- What_____(we/do) with Tom if he doesn’t get into university?
- ______(you/be) so kind as to help me across the road, young man?
- We_____(like) everyone in this room to feel comfortable with the proposal.
Circle the correct meaning or interpretation (a or b) for each sentence.
Example:
- It would be so nice to live by the sea.
- The speaker lives by the sea.
- The speaker doesn’t live by the sea.
- If anyone rings in the next few minutes, I’ll be in the storeroom.
- I’m in the storeroom now.
- I’m going to the storeroom.
- Ralph isn’t here right now, I’m afraid. He’ll be at the office.
- He is at the office now.
- He’s on his way to the office.
- I’ve tried it again and again but the computer just won’t accept my disc. I don’t understand it.
- I’m annoyed with the computer.
- I am not concerned about the computer.
- It’s a relief that Annie’s changed, class. She would argue with everything I said.
- I didn’t mind the arguments.
- The arguments annoyed me.
- The secretary shall minute the proceedings of each meeting.
- The secretary is offering to do it.
- The secretary is instructed to do it.
- ‘It looks as though the fuel crisis is over.’ ‘I wouldn’t be too sure.’
- The second speaker agrees,
- The second speaker doesn’t agree.
- It would be so nice to have a little cottage in the country.
- The speaker doesn’t have a cottage,
- The speaker has a cottage.
- I would have liked to meet the professor while he was here.
- The speaker met the professor,
- The speaker didn’t meet the professor.
Grammar Explanation: Modal Verbs (3): Will, Would, Shall
Learners of English often think of ‘will’ as a way of expressing the future and of ‘would’ as a word that is used mainly in conditional sentences, but we use both of these modal verbs to express several other meanings. This unit also looks at ‘shall,’ which, although it is the least-used modal in English, we can use to express a variety of meanings.
We will delve deep into will/would, shall/should,
- Learn their differences
- When, where and how to use them.
Prediction and Certainty
Predictions About the Future
We use will/won’t to make predictions about the future:
- He’s been found guilty of murder. He’ll be in prison for a long time.
- You must work hard for this exam. It won’t be easy.
Past Predictions About the Future
Sometimes we wish to express a prediction about the future that someone made in the past. For this we often use would/wouldn’t (would is the past form of will):
- We had to hurry to get him to the hospital. We knew it would be too late otherwise.
This use of would is related to the use of would in reported speech:
- I’m sure the Lions will win the rugby series this year. ==> She was sure the Lions would win the rugby series.
Certainty About the Present
We make confident ‘predictions’ about the present based on our knowledge or previous experience (or on current expectations) with will/ won’t:
- ‘Rachel’s in Turkey at the moment.’ I hope she’s taken some winter clothes because they won’t be warm at this time of year. ‘
Compare this use of will and the present simple. We use the present simple to state a fact without expressing an opinion as to the certainty or otherwise of the event:
- Janet isn’t here at the moment. She’s in France. (Fact – the speaker knows it’s true.)
To say that we believe something is certain, we use will/won’t:
- It’s at five o’clock. Janet will be in Paris now. (Certainty – the speaker believes it’s true.)
To express certainty about something ongoing (i.e. where we would use the present continuous for a fact), we use will/won’t + be + -ing form:
- Jason is sympathetic because he knows his successor will be having a hard time at the moment.
Certainty About the Past
To refer to something which we feel certain has happened (but do not actually know), we use will have + past participle:
- We sent the invitations on Monday, so they will have received them by now. Why hasn’t anyone replied?
This is similar to must have + past participle:
- We sent the invitations on Monday, so they must have received them by now.
We use won’t have + past participle to refer to something which we feel certain has not happened:
- We sent the invitations by second-class post. They won’t have received them yet.
Note: We do not use mustn’t have + past participle in this way, but we can use can’t have:
X We sent the invitations by second-class post. They mustn’t have received them yet.
✓ We sent the invitations by second-class post. They can’t have received them yet.
See also:
- IELTS Grammar
- IELTS Grammar books
- English Pronunciation in use Intermediate pdf
Characteristics, Habits, and Routines
Present
We often use will/won’t talk about actions that have become so routine that they are predictable:
- Every lesson is the same: he’ll sit down, get his books out and then he’ll start giving us instructions. He won’t greet us or show any interest in us.
We can extend this use of will to talk about habits and characteristics:
- The public will always side with the nurses in any dispute.
- The dominant male of the group will not tolerate the presence of other males.
We can also use the present simple to describe characteristics and habits:
- The public always sides with the nurses in any dispute.
- The dominant male of the group does not tolerate the presence of other males.
We often use will when talking about the characteristics of capacity or ability:
- The Olympic stadium in Sydney will hold 110.000 people.
- This model will do 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in eight seconds.
It is also possible to use can and the present simple for these last two uses with no change in meaning:
- The Olympic stadium in Sydney can hold/ holds 110.000 people.
- This model can do/ does 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in eight seconds.
We use will (not the present simple) to describe an annoying habit or to make a criticism:
- We enjoy going out with Frank and Carol, but they will argue in public!
Note: We do not contract well when we use it to describe an annoying habit – we stress it:
X Geoff ’ll leave the lights on when he’s last out of the office.
✓ Geoff will leave the lights on when he’s last out of the office!
We often use will/won’t criticize inanimate objects in this way:
- Whatever I do, my car won’t start the first time on cold mornings.
To state a simple fact with no (or little) annoyance, we use the present simple:
- My car doesn’t start/never starts the first time on cold mornings.
Past
We use would/wouldn’t talk about habits in the past:
- Every lesson was the same: he’d sit down and get his books out, then he’d start giving us instructions. He wouldn’t greet us or show any interest in us.
We can use would/wouldn’t criticize or talk about annoying habits in the past:
- I miss Dad, even though he would always tell me how to run my life!
Note: We do not usually contract would to when we use it in this way; we stress it:
- When Alan was a toddler he would cling on to me whenever a stranger came in.
However, we do not always stress would when it is followed by an adverb:
- My boss was awful: he’d invariably find something for me to do at five o’clock.
We can use would/wouldn’t talk about inanimate objects:
- The car would never start on winter mornings when we were in Sweden.
Willingness and Refusal
Present/Future Willingness and Refusal
We use will to express willingness to do something:
- The doctor will act as a witness to your signature. She doesn’t mind doing that sort of thing.
We can use it to express be willing to. In this sense, we can use will/ won’t in the if-clause of a first conditional:
- If you’ll take a seat for a moment, Mr. Franks will be with you soon. (If you are willing to take a seat for a moment,…)
We use won’t/ shan’t to express unwillingness or refusal to do something:
- The PA won’t book my flights. She says it isn’t in her job description.
- ‘Go and buy some milk, will you, love?’ ‘No, I shan’t. I’m busy.’
Past Willingness and Refusal
We use would/wouldn’t to show willingness or refusal In the past. We use would in the affirmative only to refer to general willingness (i.e. a habit):
- Dad would always help us with our maths homework.
Note: We do not use would in the affirmative to express willingness to do something on a single occasion in the past:
X The tour guide was very helpful. She would contact the Consulate for me when I lost my passport.
✓ The tour guide was very helpful. She contacted I offered to contact the Consulate for me when I lost my passport.
We can use would not for refusal on a single occasion in the past:
- The shop assistant wouldn’t change this jumper for me, even though I hadn’t worn it.
Other Uses Of Will/Shall/Would
Offers and Promises
We can use both will and shall to make offers. We use will in the affirmative, both to make offers to do something ourselves and on behalf of other people:
- Sit down. I’ll wash up this evening.
- Your car sounds a bit rough. Harry will take a quick look at it if you like.
We use shall in questions to make more tentative offers than with will in the affirmative:
- Shall I wash up this evening?
We use will to make promises:
- My government will turn round the economy and reduce unemployment.
We can use would, will or won’t when we offer something to another person:
- Would you have/ like some more of the pie? (neutral)
- Will you have some more of the pie? (neutral)
- Won’t you have some more of the pie? (more encouraging)
Suggestions
We use shall in questions with us to make suggestions:
- Shall we go out for a curry tonight? (= Why don’t we …?/How about …?)
To ask for suggestions or advice, we can use shall with a question word:
- What shall we do about Tom if he doesn’t get into a university?
US English uses should in preference to shall for suggestions:
- Let’s decide what to do this evening. Should we go bowling?
Note: We use shall in question tags after let’s.
- Let’s forget about it now and talk about something else, shall we?
Note: We use would in suggestions or responding to invitations if we want to be more tentative or distant:
- It would be a good idea to get together one evening.
- ‘Come to dinner on Sunday. ’ ‘That would be nice. I’ll let you know.’
Requests
We often make requests with a will. These requests are informal and we usually use them only with people we know quite well:
- Will you give me a call when you get to the hotel?
We use would make requests more tentative or polite, or to request things of people we do not know so well:
- Would you lend me the car tomorrow night? Dad?
- Would you fill in this form, please, sir?
We can make a request more insistent by using will you as a question tag:
- Come and look at this, will you?
If we request this way, we do not expect the answer to be ‘no’:
- Pick up my suit from the cleaner’s when you’re out, will you?
Orders and Instructions
We use will and shall for orders and formal instructions. We use shall for more formal instructions, especially in official documents:
- You will/shall all stay behind for thirty minutes and clean this room.
- The secretary shall minute the proceedings of each meeting.
We also use shall/ will for rules, for example of examinations and competitions:
- The judge’s decision shall be final.
Disagreeing
We can use would/ wouldn’t show disagreement politely:
- I wouldn’t say that.
- I wouldn’t go that far.
Expressing Desires and Preferences
We often use would with verbs of liking and preference (like. love, prefer, etc.) to express desires and preferences which we think we can realize:
- We’d love to come to your wedding on 6th September. Thank you for the invitation.
- I’d prefer to lose weight by a tried and tested method than by a new trendy diet.
We can use would with rather to express a preference:
- Our delegates would rather not stay at the conference centre.
Note: Note that we can use an object with these forms:
- I would like you to listen to me when I‘m talking!
Hypothetical Would
Hypothetical Desires About the Present/Future
We use would with be or verbs of liking and wishing to express a desire for the present or future. Fulfilment of the desire is impossible or improbable:
- It would be so nice to live by the sea. (The speaker doesn’t live by the sea.)
- I would prefer to be a man. (The speaker is a woman.)
To state a simple fact, we use the present simple:
- It is nice to live by the sea.
We can use the present simple (like) to talk about something we currently like and do, but we use would like to talk about an unfulfilled desire:
- I like to stay in five-star hotels. (I do stay in five-star hotels and enjoy it.)
- I would like to stay in five-star hotels. (I don’t stay in them, but it’s my desire.)
Wish + would express a desire for another person (not) to do something:
- I wish you wouldn’t talk with your mouth full!
Hypothetical desires about the past
If we want to comment on a hypothetical situation in the past, we use would/ wouldn’t + have + past participle:
- It would have been a good idea to notify us in advance of your intentions. (= The person did not notify anyone in advance.)
Note: British English often uses the perfect infinitive here:
- (It would have been a good idea to have notified us in advance ….)
Practice Exercise
Q 1.
Complete these dialogues with a will, won’t, would, wouldn’t, + have if necessary, and a form of the verbs in the box. The first one is given as an example (0).
argue | come | have | hold | prepare |
say | start | stop | watch | work |
- ‘Sue says she’s enjoying the job but she’s putting on weight.’
- ‘Yes, that__will be__because of all those long business lunches.’
- ‘Are you having problems with your new camera?’
1. ‘Yes, the flash____in semi-darkness, only when it’s fully dark.’
- ‘Shop assistants used to be more polite, didn’t they?’
2. ‘Yes, a few years ago they____always____”please” and “thank you” and smile.’
- ‘Surely there are too many people here to get on one plane?’
3. ‘No, a jumbo jet____easily____over 300 people.’
- ‘I hope Josh is OK at that summer camp. He might be homesick.’
4. Don’t worry about him. He____a great time!’
- ‘Do you think that the jury will acquit Nick?’
5. ‘I hope so. I’m sure that his lawyer____a solid defence.’
- ‘I don’t think this new secretary is as good as Janice was.’
6. ‘I don’t know. Janice___always____whenever you pointed out errors in her typing.’
- ‘The new horse at the riding stables seems to be working out very well.’
7. Quite well, but he____and eat whenever he gets the opportunity!’
- ‘Oh no, I’ve just noticed a mistake in the headline for the front page article!’
8. ‘Phone the printers. They____printing it yet – they don’t print until early morning.’
- ‘What happened after the car broke down?’
9. Well, we knew that traffic____along that road so late, so we slept in the car.’
- Why are you and Jack arguing so much these days?’
10. ‘He takes me for granted. He____TV every evening and ignore me completely.’
Q 2.
Rewrite the underlined parts of this phone conversation, using a will, won’t, would and wouldn’t.
JAKE: 020 7543 9216.
ALICE: Hi, Jake. It’s Alice here.
JAKE: Alice, how nice to hear from you!
ALICE: Actually, Jake, I’m phoning to ask you for some advice.
JAKE: (0) I’m willing to help you if I can, of course. __I’ll help you___
ALICE: Your mother receives help from the Council, doesn’t she? Can you tell me what (1) they agree to do and what (2) they don’t agree to do for older people?
JAKE: Yes, of course. Mum has a home help. She comes three times a week. (3) She’s perfectly happy to do light cleaning and (4) she’s willing to get the shopping, but (5) she refuses to do anything heavy.
ALICE: That’s fair enough. What about cooking?
JAKE: Well, when she first started (6) she was happy to prepare supper when she came, but she stopped that after a few weeks.
ALICE: Why was that?
JAKE: You know my mum. (7) She insists on saying exactly what she thinks. Apparently, the home help used to make Italian food and Mum didn’t like it. (8) She refused to eat it. Why are you asking, anyway?
ALICE: It’s Dad. He can’t move around very easily now. The neighbours are great, they (9) make a habit of popping in now and again but (10) he’s unwilling to ask them for help if he’s in trouble.
JAKE: Mmm. You can understand that.
ALICE: Oh, but he’s so impatient. I take him to the shops once a week, but yesterday (11) the car refused to start and I was about half an hour late. (12) Was he willing to wait for me? No, (13) he insists on trying to cope by himself! He went to the shops and collapsed on the way there.
JAKE: Oh, dear. It’s a worry, isn’t it? Look, (14) if you don’t mind waiting for a few minutes. I’ll look out the phone number for the right person at social services.
Q 3.
Complete the dialogues below the pictures. Use will, shall or would.
Student 1: Will you pass me the dictionary, please?
Student 2: Yes, here you go.
1.
- Woman: ________
- Friend: I won’t, thanks. I’m trying to lose weight
2.
- Teacher: _________
- Student: Oh, Miss, not another essay for homework! We’ve already written two this week.
3.
- Man: _________
- Women: Oh, yes, please! We always need someone to take the minutes.
4.
- Police Officer: ________
- Thief: Come with you? No, why should I?
5.
- Man: I don’t understand what you want from me!
- Women: ________
- Man: But I do respect you!
Q 4.
Read the article and then decide which word or phrase A, B or C below best fills each space. Circle the letter you choose for each question. The exercise begins with an example (0).
Words, Words, Words
The words that caught the mood of the decade are all there in a book published yesterday – clone, concentration camp, gene, depression – except that was not the 1990s; these words (0)__current in the 1900s.
The Guinness Book of the Twentieth Century cites lists of buzzwords for each decade of the last century. At the outset of the 20th century, few people would have guessed that it (1)___more language change than ever before. Of course, before the days of the communications revolution language evolved much more slowly. Many people today (2)____language not to change at all, but that is an unrealistic dream in the age of the global village.
Words you(3)____every day, such as chatline and trainers, (4)____only thirty years ago. And a word as universal as teenager gained common currency only in the l940s. Words change in meaning too: a scientist in the 1960s (5)____clone to refer only to plants. And anyone who asked ‘(6)____we watch the soap tonight?’ would have encountered total incomprehension before the Second World War. (Soap was what you washed with.)
There is a more worrying side to this if you consider that new coinage reflects the society it comes from. Only twenty years ago few people (7)____stalking, ethnic cleansing or road rage – concepts that the world (8)____perhaps be better without. It (9)____nice to think that the 21st century (10)____us happier words, but don’t hold your breath!
(o) | A would have been | B would be | C will have been |
1 | A will bring | B brought | C would bring |
2 | A would rather | B would prefer | C will prefer |
3 | A will hear | B will be hearing | C will have heard |
4 | A would not have been recognized | B would not be recognized | C will not recognize |
5 | A wouldn’t understand | B will be understanding | C would have understood |
6 | A Won’t | B Would | C Shall |
7 | A shall have understood | B would have understood | C will have understood |
8 | A would | B will | C shall |
9 | A will be | B would be | C would have been |
10 | A would bring | B would have brought | C will bring |
Q 5.
Read the statements from people who have or have had a disadvantaged life. Complete the sentences, expressing the people’s desires and regrets about the past. Use the word in brackets.
- (0) We don’t have running water in our homes. We have to collect water from the stream or from a pipe in the village. (like)
- Aisha __would like to have running water in her homes___
- We live in a wooden shack outside the city. It’s very small but eight of us live in it. It’s my dream to live in a real house. (prefer)
1. Pedro________
- In my country, we have to pay for medicine and a lot of people can’t afford it. The government should provide free medicine. (like)
2. Esther ______
- Every day I go into the town and I begin the streets for money. Obviously I don’t like going begging, but we need the money. (rather)
3. Sun-Li _______
- I wear the same clothes every day. I look at models in magazines and I’m very envious of their beautiful clothes. (be nice)
4. Hana thinks it______
- I live in a village just outside a big city. The village is OK. but rich people from the city come and dump their rubbish in our village. It’s dreadful! (wishes)
5. Sunil _________
- I didn’t go to school. My family couldn’t afford to send me. So now I can only get a badly-paid job. It’s such a pity because I enjoy learning new things. (been good)
6. Maria thinks it __________
Q 6.
There are nine more mistakes in this text connected with the language in this unit. Underline the mistakes and correct them.
- I’ll never forget the day my life changed. It was a normal day – in those days I
- shall do my homework straight after school so that I could go and listen to pop => would
- music at Janice’s after dinner. So I was sitting in front of the fire, trying to keep
- warm. Mum was ironing. I looked at the clock.
- Dad’s late,’ I remarked to Mum.
- It’s Thursday. He’d be visiting Granny.’
- My grandmother lived in a cold, draughty cottage on the moors. Mum and
- Dad wanted her to move in with us, but our house was very small, and she won’t
- They knew that the cold winter months would have hastened her death – she
- already suffered from chronic bronchitis – but she was a stubborn old woman
- who will insist on her independence?
- Won’t it be nice if we had some money? We could buy a big house and
- Granny could have a flat of her own in it. I hate being poor.’
- Oh. pet, I shan’t say we’re poor. We’re not as well off as some, but we’ve
- got a roof over our heads and food in our bellies.’ Mum would always see
- the best in every situation. It really annoyed me! ‘Will I make a nice cup of tea?
- Your Dad would be frozen when he gets in. He’ll want to save the bus fare so
- I’m sure he’s walked all the way from your grandmother’s.’
- At that moment, the door opened and Dad walked in, waving a slip of paper.
- ‘Forget the tea, Mary. We’re going out tonight. First prize in the lottery.
- We’re rich!’
Answer Key for Diagnostic Test
- would be
- I’ll be driving
- won’t have started
- will eat/eat
- will act 18
- won’t book
- would always help
- would not reveal
- Shall I make
- shall we do
- Would you be
- would like
- b
- a
- a
- b
- b
- b
- a
- b
Answer Key for Practice Exercise
Q 1.
- won’t work
- would always say
- will easily hold
- will be having
- will have prepared
- would always argue
- will stop
- won’t have started
- wouldn’t come
- will watch
Q 2.
- they will do
- they won’t do
- She’ll do light cleaning
- she’ll get the shopping
- she won’t do anything heavy
- she would prepare supper
- She will say (exactly) what she thinks.
- She wouldn’t eat it.
- will pop in
- he won’t ask them for help
- the car wouldn’t start
- Would he wait for me?
- he will try to cope by himself
- if you’ll wait for a few minutes
Q 3. Suggested Answers:
- Will you/Won’t you have another piece/some more cake?
- You will all write the/this essay for homework.
- Shall I take the minutes?
- Will/Would you come with us, please (Sir)?
- I would like you to respect me.
Q 4.
- C
- B
- A
- A
- C
- C
- B
- A
- B
- C
Q 5.
- Pedro would prefer to live in a real house.
- Esther would like the government to provide free medicine.
- Sun-Li would rather not go begging in the streets.
- Hana thinks it would be nice to have some beautiful clothes.
- Sunil wishes that rich people from the city wouldn’t dump their rubbish in the village.
- Maria thinks it would have been good to go to school.
Q 6.
- Line 6 He’d be visiting ==> He’ll be visiting
- Line 8 she won’t ==> she wouldn’t
- Line 9 would have hastened ==> would hasten
- Line 11 will insist ==> would insist
- Line 12 Won’t it be ==> Wouldn’t it be
- Line 14 I shan’t say ==> I wouldn’t say
- Line 16 Will I make ==> Shall I make
- Line 17 would be frozen ==> will be frozen
- Line 18 he’s walked ==> he’ll have walked
Round up: Modal Verbs
Function | Time | Form | Example |
ability | present | can
is/are able to |
|
past | could
be/ were able to |
|
|
possibility | present | may, might, could |
|
past | could have,
might have |
|
|
future | will be able to |
|
|
arrangements | future | can, could,
be able to |
|
permission | present/
future |
can, can’t |
|
past | allowed to |
|
|
obligation | present | have (got) to
must need (to) should |
|
past | had to |
|
|
future | will have to,
will need to |
|
|
necessity | present | must have to,
need to |
|
past | had to,
needed to |
|
|
future | will have to,
will need to |
|
|
prohibition | present/ future | must not
cannot, may not should not |
|
past/ past criticism | could not |
|
|
should (not)
have |
|||
absence of
obligation or necessity |
present | do not have to,
do not need to |
|
past | did not have to,
did not need to, need not have |
|
|
future | will not have to,
will not need to |
|
|
advice/
recommendation |
present/ future | must
should had better |
|
logical
deduction |
present/
future |
must have to
cannot |
|
past | must have
cannot have |
|
|
probability | present/
future |
should |
|
past | should have |
|
|
certainty | present
past |
will
will have |
|
routines | present
past |
will
would |
|
habits | present
past |
will
would |
|
characteristic | present
past |
will
would |
|
willingness/
refusal |
present
past |
will, won’t
would, wouldn’t |
|
other function | present/
future |
will, shall
shall will would will, shall |
|
hypothetical
desires |
present/
future |
would |
|
past | would have |
|
Today you’re going to learn how to use “will” in 4 ways that you probably haven’t thought of before. Want to talk about the future? Click here.
Go ahead — ask anyone this question: “What does ‘will’ mean?”
I bet you that most people would say something like, “‘Will’? Oh, it’s how we talk about the future. Also, I like your shirt.”
And that answer is kind of right. Kind of.
The shirt thing is, of course, completely correct — you wear great shirts. Everyone knows it.
But the “‘will’ means future” statement? That’s less true.
It’s true that you can use “will” to talk about the future, especially for predictions:
“I don’t think we’ll really need English language blogs in the future. Computers will be able to write stuff that’s more accurate, more interesting and much funnier than English language blog writers do now.”
And that’s all fine. The grammar, I mean.
The fact I’m going to be replaced by a robot? Less fine.
But the word “will” is often used in other, completely different ways — most of them don’t have that “future” feeling at all.
So this is when I ask the question: “How futurey is ‘will’?” (“Futurey” isn’t a real word. But it should be!)
To Describe Habits
Let’s look at a couple of examples of how we use “will” to describe habits:
“Hey, look! Your dog is eating a Caesar salad!”
“Yeah, he’ll do that.”
“What! The government has increased tax on fruit again! But they’ve just cut tax on candy! That’s crazy!”
“Yeah, I know. They’ll do that.”
This is actually quite a common phrase: “He’ll do that” or “They’ll do that” or “She’ll do that,” etc.
We use it when we just want to say, “I know, but that’s their habit. It’s not so surprising if you know them. It’s what they do!”
But why “will”? This isn’t about the future!
Exactly. This is a use of “will” that a lot of course books don’t talk about — we frequently use “will” to describe general habits.
Here’s a more formal example:
“The flying mouse will often travel over 2000 miles in order to give birth in the cool climates of the north.”
Again, this isn’t just a plan that the flying mouse has made with her husband.
“That’s it — I’m sick of this town. Let’s move up to Newcastle. I prefer the weather. Then we can make babies.”
No, this is something that the flying mouse does every year — as a matter of habit.
Habits? Every year?
Isn’t this when we use the present simple?
Well, yes — we can.
“The flying mouse will often travel over 2000 miles …” has the same meaning as “the flying mouse often travels over 2000 miles …”
So to describe habits, you can use the present simple OR “will.”
But be careful! This isn’t a complete replacement for the present simple.
That’s because we can’t use “will” to describe states — just habits.
So although we can say “Kevin’s from Addis Ababa.”
You can’t say “Kevin will be from Addis Ababa.”
You can say “This massive spider is green.”
You can’t say “This massive spider will be green” (unless you’re talking about the future, and, for some mad reason, the spider is going to change colour. Wow — spiders are weird.).
How to Use Will #2
Would to Describe Past Habits
Here’s an interesting piece of information that’ll help you understand some aspects of English that might seem a little weird at first:
“Would” is the past of “will.”
Does that make sense?
So if “will” can describe present habits (see above), “would” can describe past habits — like “used to.”
Here’s an example.
When I was a kid, we’d go to Devon every summer and catch small fish in the rock pools. (All true, by the way. Also, if you haven’t been to Devon, you should! I mean look at it!)
It’s the same as saying “When I was a kid, we used to go to Devon every summer …”
“Will” for habits becomes the “would” for past habits.
Again, be careful here! We can’t use this for states.
That’s why we can say “He used to like Metallica. But he prefers Enya now.”
But not “He would like Metallica. But he prefers Enya now.”
I’d prefer it if neither of these sentences were true — I mean, who likes Enya?
How to Use Will #3
“Would” After “I Wish …”
This is quite a special use of “will” (well, actually “would”).
As you might know, when we use the phrase “I wish …” (or “if only…”), we usually “push” the grammar to the past.
So when we have a fat guy imagining himself as a thin guy, he’s using the present tense:
But when he expresses this wish, it’s in the past:
OK. No problem, right?
But let’s look at this wish:
This should be “I wish the sun was coming out,” right?
Well, yes. It could be.
But we could also say “I wish the sun would come out.”
In fact, I’d say that it’s even a little more natural (for me, at least).
But why? Why “would”?
Good question. I like your questions — they’re always good ones.
The answer is that with “I wish” (or “if only”), we can use “would” when the subject of the sentence changes its behaviour somehow.
So if you’ve got a really annoying friend making stupid faces and scaring the dog, you could say:
“I wish you would stop doing that. You’re scaring the dog.”
Another example:
“I really wish she wouldn’t keep talking about ‘spiritualism’ all the time. It’s boring!”
This “would” isn’t “futurey.” My theory is that it’s more like the German “will,” (pronounced “vill” — because German) meaning “want.” It’s about having control and making a decision to do something (or stop doing something).
Again, be careful here. This is about things we can control, so don’t use this for states:
“I wish the building wouldn’t be so tall.” — That just sounds weird.
“I wish your hair wouldn’t be so curly.” — Also weird. On many levels.
How to Use Will #4
“Will” to Show You’ve Calculated Something
Picture the scene.
You’ve planned a dinner party, and you’ve invited five friends.
One of your friends, let’s call her Jee because that’s quite a nice name, is a little eccentric.
Unlike most of your friends, who always arrive on time or a few minutes late, Jee always arrives one hour early. Exactly one hour early.
No one knows why. She just does.
So you’re getting ready for the party. It’s an hour before you told everyone to arrive.
Then the doorbell goes.
It’s obvious what’s happened, right? It’s Jee — Jee’s arrived an hour early. Like she always does.
So you could say “That’ll be Jee.”
Why not “That must be Jee” or “That could be Jee”?
Well, you can say those things. But using “will” in this situation does two things:
- It shows that you’re sure it’s Jee.
- It also shows that you’re sure it’s Jee because you’ve somehow calculated it.
It’s very similar to “That must be Jee” but a little more certain. It’s like saying “my calculations are correct … as usual!”
We use it when we want to show that we’ve figured something out.
By the way, if you want to use this with a verb, it’ll be in the continuous:
“Jee’ll be opening our garden gate about now.”
Or
“Jee’ll be walking up our garden path right now.”
Or
“Jee’ll be moving her arm to ring our doorbell now.”
You get the idea, right?
It’s also very common to use this in the continuous when we’re talking about time.
Let’s say Jee has been visiting some old friends who now live in Darwin in northern Australia.
They’ve had an awesome time together, but all good things must come to an end, and Jee has to get a flight back home.
Her friends drive her to the airport. Then drive back home again.
A few hours later, they’re talking about what a great time they had with Jee.
“I wonder what she’s doing now,” one of them asks.
They look at the clock.
“Ah, her plane will be landing about now.”
So you can use this form when you know what someone’s doing according to some sort of schedule.
Here are some more examples:
“Don’t call him now. He’ll be sitting down to lunch. He hates being disturbed during lunch.”
“I’m glad we didn’t go camping with Cooper. Look at the weather. He’ll be sitting in his tent waiting for the rain to stop right now, just staring at his knees.”
So there we go. “Will” is weird, isn’t it?
When was the last time you could’ve used the phrase “He’ll do that” or “She’ll do that,” etc.? When did you use it? Who was it about? What was he or she doing?
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