Future simple tense
The future simple tense is a verb form used to talk about actions, events or states that have not yet happened but are expected to happen after now. It is usually formed with "will" plus the base verb (e.g. "she will arrive") and is used for predictions, promises, offers, decisions made at the moment of speaking, and facts about the future.
Types of future simple tense
Will + base verb
The standard form used for predictions, promises, spontaneous decisions, offers and facts about the future.
e.g. I will call you tomorrow., It will rain later., I will help you with that.
Going to + base verb
Often taught alongside the future simple to express plans or intentions decided before the moment of speaking, or predictions based on present evidence.
e.g. We are going to visit Paris next year., Look at those clouds; it is going to storm.
Negative form
Formed with will not or its contraction won't, used to say something will not happen.
e.g. He will not attend the meeting., They won't be ready in time.
Interrogative form
Formed by inverting the subject and will, used to ask about future actions or intentions.
e.g. Will you join us later?, Will she pass the exam?
Future simple with shall
An older or more formal alternative to will, mainly used with I and we in British English for offers or suggestions.
e.g. Shall we begin?, I shall return by noon.
Rules to remember
- Form positive statements with subject + will + base verb (no 'to'): 'They will travel next month.'
- Form negatives with will not or the contraction won't: 'She won't be late.'
- Form questions by inverting will and the subject: 'Will you be there?'
- Use will for spontaneous decisions, promises, offers and predictions without present evidence; use 'going to' for pre-planned intentions or predictions based on visible evidence.
- The base verb after will never changes form, regardless of subject: 'He will go', not 'He will goes'.
Examples in sentences
| Example | How it works |
|---|---|
| I will send you the report by Friday. | A promise or commitment made at the moment of speaking. |
| The train will arrive at platform three. | A prediction or scheduled future fact. |
| I think prices will rise next year. | A prediction without firm evidence, using 'think' plus will. |
| Don't worry, I will carry that bag for you. | An offer made spontaneously at the moment of speaking. |
| She will not be attending the conference. | A negative statement about a future event using will not. |
| Will they finish the project on time? | A yes/no question formed by inverting will and the subject. |
| We will probably move house next summer. | Will combined with an adverb of probability to soften a prediction. |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: He will goes to the party.
Correct: He will go to the party.
Incorrect: She will to call you later.
Correct: She will call you later.
Incorrect: Will you to help me tomorrow?
Correct: Will you help me tomorrow?
Why this matters for IELTS
Using the future simple accurately and varying it with other future forms, such as 'going to', present continuous and future continuous, shows the examiner a wider range of structures under Grammatical Range and Accuracy. In Speaking Part 3 and Writing Task 2, confidently using will for predictions, promises and spontaneous opinions (for example, 'I believe this trend will continue') demonstrates natural, accurate control of future time, which supports a higher band score.
Frequently asked questions
What is the future simple tense used for?
It is used for predictions, promises, spontaneous decisions, offers and facts about future events, formed with will plus the base verb.
What is the difference between will and going to?
Will is typically used for spontaneous decisions, promises and predictions without evidence, while going to is used for pre-planned intentions or predictions based on present evidence.
Can shall replace will in the future simple?
Yes, shall can be used with I and we in formal or British English, especially for offers and suggestions, but will is far more common in modern general usage.
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