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Simple Future Tense, Definition, Structure, Rules, Examples

Simple Future Tense is employed to express an action scheduled to occur in the future. It's important to note that an action in the simple future tense commences and concludes in the future time frame. Keep reading to know more!
authorImageAnanya Gupta12 Dec, 2023
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Simple Future Tense

Simple Future Tense: Are you looking to master the future tense in English? Whether you’re just beginning to learn the language or simply want a refresher course, learning the basics of how to form and use the simple future tense can help take your understanding of grammar and writing to new heights.

You'll find yourself better able to express anticipations, upcoming events, intentions, abilities – even predictions – with confidence. In this blog post we will dive into exactly what makes up this sharply spiked but often elusive verb conjugation so that you can put it into practice immediately!

What is Simple Future Tense?

The Simple Future Tense is a grammatical tense used to express actions that will happen or be completed at some point in the future. It is employed to discuss events, actions, or situations that are anticipated or planned to occur after the present moment. The Simple Future Tense is formed using the auxiliary verbs "will" or "shall" followed by the base form of the main verb.

Simple Future Tense Structure

Here's a table outlining the structure of the Simple Future Tense:
Simple Future Tense Structure
Form Affirmative Negative Interrogative
Structure Subject + will/shall + base verb Subject + will not (won't)/shall not + base verb Will/Shall + subject + base verb?
Example I will eat lunch. They will not (won't) come. Will you join us for dinner?
Explanation Expresses a future action or state. Indicates a negative future action or state. Asks about a future action or state.
Note:
  • "Shall" is less commonly used in modern English and is often reserved for formal or literary contexts.
  • In negative forms, "will not" can be contracted to "won't," and "shall not" can be contracted to "shan't."

Simple Future Tense Formula

The formula for the simple future tense is as follows: Subject+Will/Won’t+Base Form of the VerbSubject+Will/Won’t+Base Form of the Verb
  • For affirmative sentences: Subject + will + base form of the verb
    • Example: She will visit her friend tomorrow.
  • For negative sentences: Subject + will not (won't) + base form of the verb
    • Example: They won't attend the meeting.
  • For interrogative sentences: Will + Subject + base form of the verb
In each case, the auxiliary verb "will" is used to indicate future actions or events.

Simple Future Tense Rules

When utilizing the simple future tense, it's essential to consider a few key points. The structure of the simple future tense involves two components: an auxiliary verb (will) and the base form of the main verb. In interrogative sentences, the construction begins with the auxiliary verb 'will,' followed by the subject and the base form of the main verb. Conversely, negative sentences include the term 'not' after the auxiliary verb 'will.' It's crucial to note that the presence of the auxiliary verb 'will' distinctly signals to the reader or listener that the tense is indicative of a future event or action.

Applications of the Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense is used to express actions or events that will occur in the future. Here are some common applications of the simple future tense: 1) Future Actions: The primary use of the simple future tense is to talk about actions that will happen in the future.
  • Example: I will finish my project by tomorrow.
2) Predictions and Speculations: It is used to predict or speculate about future events.
  • Example: The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.
3) Promises or Intentions: The simple future tense can express promises or intentions for the future.
  • Example: I will help you with your homework.
4) Offers and Invitations: It is employed to make offers or extend invitations for future events.
  • Example: Will you come to the party with us?
5) Scheduled Events: The simple future tense is used to talk about scheduled events or activities in the future.
  • Example: The train will depart at 8:00 AM.
6) Expressions of Probability: It can express beliefs or opinions about something likely to happen in the future.
  • Example: She will probably arrive late.
7) Conditional Statements: In conditional sentences, the simple future tense can express future results based on certain conditions.
  • Example: If it rains, I will stay at home.

Simple Future Tense Examples

Here's a table with examples illustrating the use of the simple future tense:
Simple Future Tense Examples
Sentence Type Example
Future Action I will travel to Paris next summer.
Prediction or Speculation They believe it will snow heavily tonight.
Offer or Invitation Will you join us for dinner tomorrow?
Expression of Probability He will likely succeed in his new role.
Conditional Statement If it rains, we will stay indoors.

Simple Future Tense Exercise

Here's a simple exercise to practice using the simple future tense. Complete each sentence by filling in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.\
  1. Tomorrow, she ______________ (attend) a job interview.
  2. By this time next year, we ______________ (complete) our degree.
  3. They ______________ (travel) to Europe next summer.
  4. The company ______________ (launch) a new product next month.
  5. I ______________ (call) you as soon as I arrive.
  6. The concert ______________ (start) at 7 PM.
  7. He ______________ (move) to a new apartment next week.
  8. We ______________ (visit) our grandparents during the holidays.
  9. By the time you return, I ______________ (finish) reading the book.
Feel free to check your answers below:
  1. will attend
  2. will have completed
  3. will travel
  4. will launch
  5. will call
  6. will start
  7. will move
  8. will visit
  9. will have finished
Related Links
Present Tense Future Tense
Past Tense Simple Present Tense

Simple Future Tense FAQs

What is the simple future tense?

The simple future tense is a grammatical structure used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future. It's formed using the auxiliary verb "will" (or "shall" in some contexts) combined with the base form of the main verb.

How do you form the simple future tense?

The basic structure involves: Subject + will + base form of the verb (+ rest of the sentence). For example: "She will travel tomorrow."

When do we use the simple future tense?

The simple future tense is used to talk about future actions, predictions, intentions, promises, spontaneous decisions, and scheduled events.

Can "shall" be used instead of "will" in the simple future tense?

Traditionally, "shall" is used with first-person subjects (I and we) to express simple future tense, but it's less common in modern English, particularly in American English.

How do you form negative sentences in the simple future tense?

To form a negative sentence, use "will not" or the contraction "won't" between the subject and the base form of the verb. For example: "They won't arrive on time."
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