Expressing the Future

I. Read this paragraph from Rachel’s letter to her aunt and uncle:

This is my last year at college, as you know. And I’ve already got a job! In September I’m starting work at a law firm in London. So I’ll be free most of the summer. I’m going to spend six weeks traveling around the US. My friend Vicky is coming with me. (She finishes college at the same time as me.) We’re really looking forward to the trip. We might go to Canada too. Vicky has friends in Toronto.

There is no single form in English that we can always use for the future. There are many different ways of talking about the future, depending on how we see a future event. Study the following examples:

Be going to – I’m going to spend six weeks in the US. (an intention)

Will – I’ll be free for most of the summer. (neutral future)

Present Continuous – I’m starting work in September. (an arrangement)

Present Simple – She finishes college at the same time as me. (a timetable)

II. Now read the following dialogues and match each phrase with the communicative function (as in Exercise I). Choose the functions from the box.

Certainty Intention Offer Arrangement Request Timetable Suggestion Promise Prediction

1. – One of these days I’m going to fly to Hawaii!

– Oh – I’m flying there tomorrow!

2. – The next train leaves at 9.30!

– Oh, no! We’ll have to wait an hour!

– Never mind! I’ll buy you a cup of coffee!

3. – Will you call me tomorrow, please?

– Okay – I’ll call you after lunch!

4. – Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain soon!

– Shall we go inside?

Make up your own mini-dialogues on these models.

III. Read each pair of sentences and then answer the question about them.

1. a) I’ll see you on Thursday.

b) I saw you on Thursday.

Which of the sentences is about the future?

2. a) I’m going to Manchester. I’m waiting for a connecting train.

b) I’m going to get a train to Manchester, changing at Birmingham.

Which is spoken during the journey?

3. a) We’ll know the results of the tests next week.

b) We might know the results of the tests next week.

Which sentence is more certain?

4. a) I’m doing two exams this year.

b) I’m doing some work at the moment.

In which sentence has the action already started?

5. a) What time do we arrive in Swansea?

b) What time will we arrive in Swansea?

Which question is more likely if you are traveling by car?

6. a) I’m eating at the Thai restaurant tonight.

b) I’ll eat at the Thai restaurant tonight.

Which would you say if you’ve booked a table?

IV. Arrangements. Mr. Bright is a lawyer, he is usually very busy at work. Look at the diary below and complete the dialogue between Mrs. Smarty, his secretary, and a client who wants to make an appointment with him. Use the Present Continuous for future arrangements.

March 2010

15 Monday	Meet paralegals to discuss arbitration	11 a.m.
16 Tuesday	Represent a client before the Competition Tribunal	2 p.m.
17 Wednesday	Lecture on real-estate law at the university	10 a.m.
18 Thursday	Business lunch with a partner from Florida	1 p.m.
19 Friday	Attend the meeting of the state bar association	9.30 a.m.

Mrs. Smarty: Mansfield, Bright and Thorpe Inc. Thomas Bright’s office. How may I help you?

Miss Norris: Good morning. It’s Amanda Norris. I’d like to meet Mr. Bright and discuss my property-tax dispute.

Mrs. Smarty: Sorry, but Mr. Bright is very busy this week. I don’t think he’ll be able to make an appointment.

Miss Norris: Can he see me today at noon?

Mrs. Smarty: I’m afraid he can’t. Mr. Bright is…

Miss Norris: What about Tuesday afternoon then?

Mrs. Smarty: Sorry, but he…

Miss Norris: Is Mr. Bright free on Wednesday morning?

Mrs. Smarty: Unfortunately not. He is…

Miss Norris: I see. Well, Thursday at 1 or 2 p.m. would suit me.

Mrs. Smarty: But it wouldn’t suit Mr. Bright, I’m afraid. He…

Miss Norris: How about Friday morning then?

Mrs. Smarty: Sorry to tell you about that, but Mr. Bright… Moreover, he is supposed to finish his report on real-estate issues by the end of this week. He can meet you only next week, Miss Norris.

V. Ask one of your group mates about their plans or arrangements, use the words given in brackets. Remember to make your questions in the Present Continuous (be + Ving).

1) (you / go out for a meal tonight)? (who / you / go with)?

2) (you / do anything special this weekend)? (what / you / do)?

3) (who / you / meet after this lesson)?

4) (you / go shopping later today)? (where…)? (who with…)?

5) (any of your friends / have a birthday party soon)? (when…)?

6) (you / cook dinner this evening)? (who / you / cook for)? (what…)?

7) (you / take any important exams in the near future)? (when / you / take…)?

8) (you or your family members / go abroad soon)? (where…)? (why…)?