Future Tense: Definition, Types, Rules, Examples, Practice Questions with Answers

In the simplest terms, the future tense is a form of verb that denotes the actions that will happen after the present time. It offers clarity on what is planned, assumed, or predicted to occur in the future.

Example:

• I will go to Paris next year.
• She is going to teach soon.

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Common Idioms Used in English

 

Cambridge dictionary defines future tense as “the form of a verb that you use when talking about something that will happen or exist”.

The Collins Dictionary defines future tense as “a tense of verbs used when the action or event described is to occur after the time of utterance.”

Word Origin: from Latin “fūtūrus about to be, from esse to be.

 

In English grammar, there are four types of future tense. Each of these tenses is used to describe a different aspect of future actions. By understanding the types of future tenses, one can enhance their vocabulary, both verbal and written. Take a look at the types of future tenses in English listed below:

Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense is used to express spontaneous decisions, promises or predictions. These are often used with time expressions, such as tomorrow, next month, next year, soon, etc. It follows the following structure:

Subject + will/ shall + base verb

Example:

• Shane will drop you off tomorrow.
• I will help you with the chores.
• I will call you once I get the gift.

Future Continuous Tense

The future continuous tense is used to describe an act that will be ongoing at a specific time in the future. This tense follows the following structure:

Subject + will be + present participle (verb + ing)

Example:

• They will be leaving for London next week.
• He will be eating mac & cheese for Thanksgiving next month.
• Wonyoung will be singing on the music show at that time.

Future Perfect Tense

In English grammar, future perfect tense is used to denote an action that will be completed before a certain time in the future. Future perfect tense structure is as follows:

Subject + will have + past participle

Example:

• By 2039, I will have travelled around the world.
• By next year, I will have moved to France for higher studies. 
• Joon will have visited all the museums in India by then.

Future Perfect Continuous Tense

When expressing the duration of an action that will continue to take place up to a specific point in the future. The future perfect continuous tense structure is as follows:

 Subject + will have been + present participle

Example:

• By 2030, I will have been working at this organisation for six years.
• I will have been practising dancing for ten years by 2027.
• She will have been driving for twelve hours by midnight.

Structure for subject-verb agreement

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The future tense allows one to express what is going to happen in the future. The structure may seem simple, however, it is important that one uses it correctly in the right context. Check out the key rules for using the future tense in English grammar:

Rule #1: Using “Will” for spontaneous decisions & promises.

When a decision is made on the spot, one must use “will” + base form of the verb.

Examples:

• I will help you with your homework. (Spontaneous offer)
• I will protect you always. (Promise)
• We will discuss this in detail tomorrow. (Planned but sudden meeting)

Rule #2: Use “Going to” for planned actions

When referring to actions that you intend to proceed or talking about something pre-decided, use “am/ is/ are + going to + verb”.

Examples:

• I am going to start my business next month.
• Shean is going to play the piano at the party.
• They are going to visit Bali during their trip.

Rule 3: Use “Shall” when making offers or suggestions

Shall is a formal alternative used in place of “will”. It is typically used with “I” and “we”  in British English.

Examples:

• Shall I close the door on my way?
• Shall we begin the meeting?

Rule #4: Use the right time expressions

To clearly mark a sentence as the future tense, use time indicators, such as tomorrow, next week/ month/ year/ decade/ soon/ later/ By (date/ time), etc.

Examples:

• We will finish this project by next week.
• He is going to meet his friends soon.

 

Future tense uses both “will” and “going to” when referring to the future. However, these are not always interchangeable. Both vary in intent, timing, certainty, and usage. Check out the table below to know about when to use “will” and when to use “going to” in English grammar:

Particulars	Will	Going to
Decision timing	On the spot	Pre-decided/ pre-planned
Prediction Type	Uncertain/ Opinionated	Based on current signs
Function	Promise, offer, future fact, sudden intent	Plan, intention, prediction with evidence
Example	Rehan will call you.	Rehan is going to call her later.

Let’s take a look at the table below to learn about the rules, structures, and examples for each of the four future tenses. As a bonus, the table also mentions when to use will and going to, time expressions, and their usage.

Quick Grammar Reminder for Future Tense:

• Use base verb after “will”

Correct: She will go to the salon tomorrow.

Incorrect: She will goes to the salon tomorrow.

• Use “going to” for pre-decided plans

Example: I was going to visit grandpa next week.

• Use the future perfect when an action ends before a specific point in future.

Example: By next June, I will have finished my degree.

• Use future perfect continuous for duration up to a future time

Example: By next month, I will have been going to the gym for six months straight.

Check out the table below to understand this better:

 

 

It is only natural to make errors while using the future tense in grammar. However, with some practice and tips, these mistakes can easily be avoided. Find below some common errors while using the future tense that the students make:

Using “will” instead of “going to” for planned actions

One of the most common errors made by students is using will everywhere when it comes to future tense, even for planned actions.

Incorrect: I will visit my grandpa tonight.

Correct: I’m going to visit my grandpa tonight.

Using the present tense for future actions

Some students often mix up the present simple to refer the non-scheduled future events.

Incorrect: She goes to college next year.

Correct: She will go to college next year.

Incorrect Structure of Future Perfect Tense

Another common error is to use the base form of the verb in place of the past participle after “will have”. Future perfect tense follows the structure “will have + past participle”.

Incorrect: Sia will have eats dinner by 9 PM.

Correct: Sia will have eaten dinner by 9 PM.

Using “will” after time expressions like “when”, “before”, “after”

An important note: do not use will after time expressions even if it’s about the future. Instead, use present simple tense after such words.

Incorrect: When she will arrive, they will leave for Phuket.

Correct: When she arrives, they will leave for Phuket.