Four Different Ways of Expressing the Future in English
In this post we’ll look at four different ways of expressing the future in English. First, we’ll start with the simple future tense with will (I will arrive). After that we’ll turn to the going-to future, sometimes called the immediate future (I’m going to arrive). Next, we’ll turn to the present progressive as future (I’m arriving.) Finally, we’ll look at the present as future (I arrive). You’ll see that while these ways of expressing the future in English may seem similar, each form has its own specific uses and nuances.
Simple Future Tense: I will arrive
When you think about expressing the future in English, you probably first think of will. The simple future tense uses the modal will followed by a bare verb. As a student of English, you probably learned this tense as a dependable way to talk about the future.
- I will graduate from college next year.
- The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.
- I think the new restaurant will be very popular.
- They’ll finish construction of the new house in about six months.
English speakers use the simple future to talk about a future plan or prediction.
- What will you do after high school? What are your plans?
- After high school, I’ll go to college, then I’ll find a job, and then hopefully I’ll meet someone and we’ll start a family.
The future tense can also convey a promise or vow to do something in the future.
- I will finish this report tonight, even if I have to stay up all night.
- June said she will quit vaping this month.
Going to Future: I’m going to arrive
Another very common way of expressing the future in English is with going to + verb. This future construction expresses intentions, plans, or expectations that are based on present evidence or circumstances.
- I’m going to buy a new car next month.
(I’ve already decided and made plans.) - Look at those dark clouds – it’s going to rain soon.
(Based on the current conditions.) - She’s going to be a great teacher.
(Based on what we know about her now.)
You may have heard going to referred to as the immediate future. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the time is very soon in the future. It may be, but the immediacy may also be some close relationship to the present, or consequence of present conditions.
- I’m going to go to the gym tomorrow morning, so I guess I can have a slice of pie for dessert.
- School kids often wonder whether they are ever going to use the things that they are learning.
Present Progressive as Future: I’m arriving
As you probably know, the present progressive (am/is/are + verb+ing: I am speaking, she is doing, we are listening…) usually expresses an action that is happening right now. But people often use it to express a future action or event. This future is typically about future arrangements or plans, things that are arranged or that are bound to happen at some point in the future.
- I’m leaving for the airport at 6pm.
(My flight is scheduled, and this is my plan.) - The new store is opening next Saturday.
(This is the date that they’ve planned for.) - We’re having a company picnic this summer.
(The company has arranged this event.)
The present progressive as future emphasizes the scheduled or arranged nature of the future action. It can also express that something is bound to happen.
Simple Present as Future: I arrive
In some cases, we can use the simple present tense to talk about the future, especially for scheduled events, timetables, or fixed plans.
- The train arrives at 10:15am.
- The meeting starts at 3 o’clock.
- The holidays begin on December 20th.
- The film starts in twenty minutes, so we have to hurry.
This form is common when referring to future events that are part of a schedule, timetable, or calendar. It sounds natural only in cases when there is a fixed schedule or calendar.
Summary
As you’ve seen, there are four basic ways of expressing the future in English. While all of these forms can be used to discuss the future, they each have slightly different meanings and implications. Often, there isn’t only one possible “correct” future to use. It all depends on what the speaker wants to convey. For instance:
- The train will arrive in ten minutes.
(This is the plan or prediction. It’s 8:01, and the train is scheduled to arrive at 9:01.) - The train is going to arrive in ten minutes.
(The train’s arrival is closely tied to something happening now, for example, we need to hurry up or we’ll be late.) - The train is arriving in ten minutes.
(A neutral statement that this is the planned arrival time.) - The train arrives in ten minutes.
(I’m stressing that this is the scheduled arrival time, according to the official timetable.)
However, there are cases where one future sounds much more natural than others, or when one choice sounds awkward. For example, the expressions someday conveys the idea that something isn’t scheduled, that we don’t know when it will happen. So predictably, the two future tenses that focus on a specific plan or timetable (present progressive or simple present as future) sound odd with it/
- Someday you’ll find a job you love.
Someday you’re going to find a job you love.
(These are both fine and natural sounding.) Someday you’re finding a job you love.
Someday you find a job you love.
(These both sound very awkward.)
Get on the road to better English with the Language Garage!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this lesson on expressing the future in English. If you’d like to learn more:
- Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Twitter, Threads, Mastodon, Instagram, or Pinterest. We publish lots of English vocabulary, grammar, and culture notes, so it’s a great way to pick up some new vocabulary and practice.
- Check out our other posts on English language, culture, and more.
- Enroll in affordable, flexible, and personalized private online English lessons or sign up for a small group online English class.
- Create a free Language Garage account to access tons of English vocabulary, grammar, and culture.
Photo by Quang Vuong: https://www.pexels.com/photo/denver-union-station-evening-train-scene-30035744/
