Talking about the future 5.2
When do we use different tenses to talk about the future ? You ’ll do well in the race, I’m sure. And we ’re going to come and watch. A: I ’m visiting Harry on Sunday. I’ve booked the train. B: I ’m not doing anything that day. I ’ll come with you. The train leaves at 8 a.m. It ’s going to be crowded – look at all the people waiting for it. Copyright © 2 020 by Pearson Education Wider World 3 We use will for predictions or decisions made at the moment of speaking. We use be going to for intentions or plans and for predictions based on what we know now. We use the Present Continuous for arrangements and the Present Simple for timetables and schedules.
I’m going to go to the beach later. There aren’t any clouds in the sky, so it’s going to be a hot day. Do you want to come with me? These are the predictions Read this text and find two predictions, one plan, one decision, one arrangement and one scheduled event. Copyright © 2 020 by Pearson Education Wider World 3 Sorry, I can’t. I’m taking part in a race today. It starts at 10.30, and I’ll be really tired after it. But I’m not doing anything tomorrow. I’ll go with you then. , the plan , the decision, the arrangement and the scheduled event.
How do we make sentences about the future ? Copyright © 2 020 by Pearson Education Wider World 3 will / won’t be going to Present Continuous Present Simple I ’m going to take up kayaking. Look at the sky ! It That looks heavy. Wait ! I ’ll help. I don’t think he ’ll win the competition. We use will/won’t to talk about predictions We use be going to to talk about intentions and plans, or decisions made at the moment of speaking. or to make predictions based on things we know now. ’s going to rain. My basketball training starts in October. We ‘re having a competition next month. We use the Present Simple to talk about timetables and schedules. The future We use the Present Continuous to talk about fixed arrang e ments.
I’m going to buy / I’ll buy a new tennis racket, so I’m looking for some offers on eBay. No, I’m sorry. I can’t visit you on Tuesday evening. I’m having / I’ll have guests. In our school, all extra- curricular classes are going to start / start in October. Look at Suzie! She looks really pale. She isn’t going to finish / doesn’t finish the race. Bob, I’ve arranged an interview with Newsweek. They are coming / are going to come tomorrow at 6.30. A: I’m starving. B: I’m going to make / I’ll make you a sandwich. Circle the correct option. Practice Time Copyright © 2 020 by Pearson Education Wider World 3
