While studying English grammar, learners are often introduced to the Future Simple Tense and the Near Future Tense. Both are used to talk about future actions or intentions, which can make them confusing to tell apart and apply correctly.
So how do you differentiate between these two tenses? What makes their usage different? Let’s explore both tenses in detail.
Overview of the Future Simple Tense
1. What is the Future Simple Tense?
In Vietnamese, words like “will” or “about to” are often used to express a future intention or decision. Similarly, in English, the Future Simple Tense is formed using the modal verbs will or shall followed by the base form of the main verb.
This tense is commonly used to describe spontaneous decisions, predictions, offers, or promises related to the future.
Examples:
She supposes that she will get a better job.
We will learn how to use the future simple tense in this lesson.
2. Future Simple Tense Structure
Sentence Type | Verb Form | Example |
Affirmative | S + will + V | I will come here tomorrow. |
With "to be" | S + will + be | I will be here tomorrow. |
Negative | S + will not + V | He will not come back tonight. |
With "to be" | S + will not + be | We will not be friends anymore. |
Yes/No Question | Will + S + V ? | Will you come back? |
WH- Question | WH + will + S + V ? | When will you come here tomorrow? |
3. When to Use the Future Simple Tense
To express actions or events that will happen in the future: I will travel tomorrow.
To indicate a likely future event: It will rain tomorrow.
To express a decision made at the moment of speaking: Oh no, I forgot. I’ll phone her now.
To make promises, threats, requests, or offers: I will take you to the hospital. I’ll work harder next year.
4. Future Simple Signal Words
Look for the following time expressions:
in + time (e.g., in 2 minutes)
tomorrow
next day / next week / next month / next year
someday
as soon as
Examples:
I will visit my grandparents next week.
My father will call you in 5 minutes.
Also used with verbs like think, believe, suppose, promise, and adverbs like perhaps, probably.
Overview of the Near Future Tense
5. What is the Near Future Tense?
The Near Future Tense is used to talk about planned or intended actions in the near future. These actions are often already scheduled or considered.
Examples:
I am going to see a film tonight.
Are you going to fly to America this weekend?
6. Near Future Tense Structure
Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
Affirmative | S + be + going to + V | I am going to buy some milk. |
Negative | S + be + not + going to + V | She is not going to clean her house. |
Yes/No Question | Be + S + going to + V ? | Are we going to visit the zoo? |
WH- Question | WH + be + S + going to + V ? | What are you going to buy? |
7. When to Use the Near Future Tense
To talk about future plans or intentions: I’m going to apply for a new job.
To describe an expected outcome: I’m not going to finish this in time.
8. Signal Words for the Near Future Tense
Similar time expressions as with the Future Simple:
in + time (e.g., in 2 minutes)
tomorrow
next day / next week / next month / next year
Examples:
Our grandparents are going to visit tomorrow.
The train is going to leave in 2 minutes.
Future Simple Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences using the words provided
She hopes that Mary will come to the party tonight.
I will finish my report in two days.
If you do not study hard, you will not pass the exam.
You look tired, so I will bring you something to eat.
Will you please give me a lift to the station?
Exercise 2: Fill in the correct future verb form
They will do it tomorrow.
My father will call you in 5 minutes.
We believe she will recover soon.
I promise I will return on time.
If it rains, he will stay at home.
Exercise 3: Complete the following sentences
I will get it.
Joan thinks they will win the election.
I will come and help you.
She will be happy.
I will be there at four.
I will turn on the fire.
She will come.
The meeting will not take place at 6.
You will feel sick.
They will be home at 10.
I will not be able to come.
The meeting will not take place.
I will not do it!
She will not pass the exam.
I will not take the bus.
Near Future Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the correct form
His mother is going to go shopping.
They are going to watch TV.
I am going to play tomorrow.
We are going to listen to music.
Is she going to have math next Monday?
Exercise 2: Rearrange the words
She is going to watch TV tonight.
They are going to come to Hanoi with their parents next summer.
Minh is not going to play video games next Sunday.
Is your mother going to read books tonight?
Her brother is going to walk in the park tomorrow evening.
Exercise 3: Choose the correct answer
C – You are not going to pass the exam.
C – You are going to fall off the table.
B – The lion is going to catch the deer.
A – Liam is going to get very wet.
C – The tree is going to fall down.
This article has covered the key differences between the Future Simple and Near Future tenses with clear examples and practice exercises. We hope it helps you quickly identify and use both tenses correctly. Don't forget to master the key structures and signal words for better English proficiency.
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