In basic English tenses, to express future actions and events, you can use different types of future tenses. In this article, IDP will help you memorize all future tenses in detail, including formulas, signs of recognition and how to use them in each case. And if you are confident with your knowledge base, register for the IELTS test with IDP now!
1. Simple Future Tense
Definition The Simple Future Tense expresses a decision or spontaneous action that will occur in the future. It is formed with will or shall plus the base verb.
Structures
Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
Affirmative | S + will + be + noun/adjective | This time it will be a long one. |
S + will + V-inf + object | Syria will attend only if negotiations deal with key issues. | |
Negative | S + will not + be + noun/adjective | Yesterday will not be called again. |
S + will not + V-inf | We will not clean the house this weekend. | |
Yes/No Question | Will + S + be + noun/adjective? | Will the honorable member answer the question? |
Will + S + V-inf? | Will you spell your name for me? | |
WH- question | Wh-word + will + S + V-inf? | How will you spend your Christmas holiday? |
Usage
Events after the present moment
Predictions without evidence
Promises, warnings, offers, requests
First conditional sentences
Time Clues
Words like in + time, next day/week/year, tomorrow, and verbs or adverbs like think, believe, hope, maybe, probably often signal the future simple tense.
2. Future Continuous Tense
Definition Describes an action in progress at a specific future time or a planned event.
Structure
Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
Affirmative | S + will + be + V-ing + object | The band will be going on tour. |
Negative | S + will not + be + V-ing + obj | The ship will not be ready for a month. |
Yes/No Question | Will + S + be + V-ing? | Will James be working when we visit him tomorrow? |
WH- Question | Wh-question + will + S + be + V-ing? | When will you be coming back to London? |
Usage
Actions happening at a future moment
Parallel future events
Scheduled events
Ongoing actions with temporary emphasis (with still)
Time Clues
Phrases like at this time tomorrow, at 7 pm, when + present tense and adverbs like next week, soon, or verbs like expect, guess indicate the Future Continuous.
3. Future Perfect Tense
Definition Indicates an action completed before a specific point in the future.
Structure
Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
Affirmative | S + will + have + V3 + object | Certainly the old man will have said he saw a man robbing them. |
Negative | S + will not + have + V3 + object | I know I will not have taken this seminar. |
Yes/No Question | Will + S + have + V3 + object? | Will you have finished your work by noon? |
WH- Question | Wh-question + will + S + have + V3 + object? | What will we have submitted by tonight? |
Usage
Complete actions before a future point
Actions completed before another future action
Time Clues
Look for phrases like by (time), by the end of, by then, or by the time.hành
4. Future Perfect Continuous Tense
Definition Describes a continuous action that will be in progress up to a point in the future.
Structure
Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
Affirmative | S + will + have been + V-ing + ... | We will have been studying English for five years by next month. |
Negative | S + will not + have been + V-ing + ... | We will not have been living here for ten years by next month. |
Yes/No Question | Will + S + have been + V-ing + ...? | Will they have been building this house by the end of this year? |
WH- Question | Wh-question + will + S + have been + V-ing + object? | Who will have been visiting our home by tonight? |
Usage
Emphasizes duration of a future ongoing action
Highlights continuity relative to another future action
5. Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks using Simple Future
Tomorrow students will assemble in the playground at 8 am ... Their parents will pick them up from school.
Exercise 2: Future Perfect Sentences
She will have finished her homework by the time I arrive.
By the time we find our seats, the concert will have started.
They will have left the party before we arrive.
The movie will have begun by the time he gets to the theatre.
By the time you come, I will have read the book.
She will have completed the assignment before the teacher returns.
By the time I retire, I will have traveled to many countries.
His birthday will end before the party starts.
They will finish their meal by the time we order.
His presentation will not be ready before the meeting starts.
Master Future Tenses with IDP
Understanding all future tenses will boost your confidence and help you excel in IELTS exams. For extra support, IDP offers IELTS seminars, personalized courses, and a rich library of test prep materials. Candidates can choose flexible test schedules for computer-based IELTS, or join full-length mock exams to practice time management.
When you’re ready, register for IELTS with IDP today!