Future: “Will”
Introduction
In English, there are many ways of expressing future time. One of the most common is using the modal auxiliary verb “will”. This page will explain the main meanings of “will” and show you how to form the future with “will”.
1. Using “will” with verbs
“Will”, like all modal verbs in English, does not change its form, and it is followed by the simple form of the main verb. “Will” is NOT usually used in first person questions. Note also that will is often shortened to ’ll. This diagram should make the situation clearer:
| Subject | Statement | Question |
|---|---|---|
| I | I will stop smoking. I'll stop smoking. |
[not usually used] |
| You | You will stop smoking. You'll stop smoking. |
Will you stop smoking? |
| He | He will stop smoking. He'll stop smoking. |
Will he stop smoking? |
| She | She will stop smoking. She'll stop smoking. |
Will she stop smoking? |
| It | It will be hard to stop. It'll be hard to stop. |
Will it be hard to stop? |
| We | We will stop smoking. We'll stop smoking. |
[not usually used] |
| They | They will stop smoking. They'll stop smoking. |
Will they stop smoking? |
Negatives are formed with “will not” or “won't”:
He will not stop smoking.
He won't stop smoking.
2. The meaning of “will” future forms
“Will” is usually used in three situations:
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Volunteering to do something | “Will someone open the window for me?” “I'll do it!” |
| Deciding to do something | “I've made up my mind. I'll go to Whistler for my vacation.” |
| Forcing someone to do something. | “Dad, I don't want to clean my room!” “You'll do it, and you'll do it NOW!” |
“Will” is NOT usually used for fixed plans or scheduled events.
When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.