Unit 8: Future Time-->Grammar Focus

1. Future Time

English does not have a true future tense. Many verbs are used to refer to the future time in terms of plans (I'm going to a party tonight), intentions ( I'm going to try to finish my project tonight), predictions (it will be sunny tomorrow), scheduling ( the game starts at 1:00p.m.), and requests (Will you please help me do this).The Future time describes events/activities that are to happen later the same day or in near or distant time after the immediate time

The future can be expressed in four ways in English:

A:. by using the Simple Future Tense will/shall with an infinitive.

e.g. The teacher will give me the answer on Monday.

B: by using the Present Continuous Tense of the verb to go with an infinitive when the action is to take place very soon:

e.g. I am going to wash my car.

C: by using the Present Continuous Tense with a word/phrase indicating the future:

e.g. The Channel Tunnel is opening for passenger travel next year.

D: by using a statement beginning with let us or let's when wishing to ask a question:

e.g. Let's go to the cinema this evening! (Shall we go to the cinema this evening?)

Let's eat our lunch now! (Shall we eat our lunch now?)

2. Plans

The most common verb pattern to use in talking about plans are:

BE GOING TO + base form : She's going to the party tonight.
PRESENT PROGRESSIVE: They are staying at the Burgos Hotel next week.
You may use expressions such as Maybe, Perhaps, Probably, I think, it's possible + will : Probably I'll stay at the Burgos Hotel.

3. Intentions

When we intent to do something, we have a goal or purpose in mind. Intentions can be expressed with be going to or will.
I am going to try to finish the homework in a hour.
Jaime will try to stop smoking by the year 2000.

4. Predictions

We usually use will or be going to to make predictions, that is, to tell what you think will happen in the near future.
Bob believes that Allen will win the lottery very soon.
It is probably going to rain in the afternoon.

5. Scheduling

We usually use the simple present tense to talk about scheduled events.
Spring break begins on March 22.
The football game starts at 7:00 p.m.
The game ends at 3:00 p.m.

6. Requests and Offers

When you ask someone to do something.
Will you (please) help me carry this?, Could you.., Would you..., Why don't you help me..
The responses are usually Certainly. Sure. O.K., Of course, All right,.I'll be happy to.
When you ask someone not to do something
Will you please not smoke?, Would mind not smoking?, Could you not..., Would you not
When you ask permission to do something
May I (please) close the door?, Do you mind if I..., Could I..

7. Future Possibility and Probability

When something in the future is not certainty but merely a possibility you use may, might, could. For example: The weather may/might/could be better later tonight.
When you expect something to happen but you are not quite certain, you use, will probably, should. For example:
The weather will probably be better tonight.

8. Obligation and Advisability

The modal must is used to express obligation or necessity. it is similar in meaning to have to. For example:
You must be 21 to buy liquor in most States. or You have to be 21 to buy liquor.
Must not expresses prohibition. For example:
A doctor must not operate on a person without being certified to do so.
Do not have to expresses the absence of necessity. For example:
A person does not have to be a US citizen to get a driver's license.
Should, ought to, are used to express advisability. For example:
You should insure your belongings in case someone steal them from you.

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