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When talking about the future, the choice of form is often flexible and depends on what the speaker wants to express. start learning
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plans, intentions and decisions; predictions; future facts.
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to talk about general plans, arrangements and intentions about the future I'm going to look for a job in New York. start learning
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use: be going to + infinitive
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when a plan or intention is not definite We might go away for the weekend. start learning
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use: might/could/may + infinitive
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to talk about definite arrangements or plans. What are you doing today? I'm having lunch with Mitsuko. start learning
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Use: the present continuous
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for intentions and plans: Pete's hoping to go to university next year. Are you thinking of leaving the company? start learning
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The following phrases can also be used: planning to/hoping to + infinitive, thinking of + -ing
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to talk about decisions made at the moment of speaking I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed now. start learning
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use: will ('ll in spoken English). This is often used with "I think".
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to make predictions based on opinion I expect Sara will agree. I'm sure everything will be fine. start learning
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Use: will/might/could/won't + infinitive. Use with verbs such as think, hope, expect, know, guess, be sure or adverbs such as maybe, perhaps.
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to say how certain you are Jodie and Al will probably get divorced soon. You definitely won't get a ticket now. (Note the word order with won't.) start learning
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use: will + definitely/certainly/possibly/probably.
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She's likely to be tired after the journey. start learning
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use: be likely to + infinitive
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for something that is expected or scheduled to happen Meg is due to retire next year. start learning
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use: be due to + infinitive
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to make a prediction based on present evidence Look at those clouds. It's going to rain. Lisa's going to have a baby. start learning
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to talk about schedules, timetables and itineraries The course starts in September. We leave at 6a.m. start learning
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Your dry-cleaning will be ready tomorrow. I'll be 28 next year. start learning
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start learning
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for definite arrangements Rule 1: The taxi's picking me up at seven tomorrow. start learning
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use the present continuous
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Rule 2: Actually, I don't think is going to be too hard. I'm going to look for a new job, with more money. start learning
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use be going to/be planning to/be hoping to + infinitive
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for a decision made at the moment of speaking Rule 3: Actually, I don't think it'll be too hard. I'll just check the latest information on the computer. start learning
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use will ('ll) + infinitive
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for an intention that is not certain Rule 4: I might go back next summer. start learning
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use might/could + infinitive
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start learning
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Rule 5: Actually, I don't think it'll be too hard. start learning
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use will ('ll)/won't + infinitive (often with adverbs such as definitely/possibly)
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when something is expected or scheduled to happen Rule 6: The taxi's due to pick me up at seven tomorrow. The plane is due to arrive at 10:30 at the earliest. start learning
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for a prediction that is probable Rule 7: Actually, I don't think it is likely to be too hard. Apparently there is likely to be some building work on the house. And it's likely to be later than that. start learning
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use be likely/unlikely to
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for a prediction that is not certain Rule 8: I'm not really, but apparently there might be some building work on the house. The plane might arrive at 10:30 at the earliest. I might go back next summer. start learning
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use might/could + infinitive
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