Future simple tense with examples: A top English grammar guide

Today, we’ll explore the future — but don’t worry, no time machine, or Delorean, needed! We’ll just cover the future simple, that helpful tense that lets us talk about what will (or won’t) happen next.

Understanding and knowing how to use this tense isn’t just for English class; it’s a tool for clear communication! In this article, you’ll learn when and how to use the future simple tense, its different forms, and some tips to avoid common mistakes. So, buckle up, and let’s go (back) to the future!

What is the future simple tense?

The future simple tense is basically the starting line for anything you’re going to do. It’s the tense used to talk about plans, promises, predictions, and more.

There’s an alternative to it: “be going to” + verb and we’ll come back to it in more details, but for now, here is the structure for the future simple: “will” + verb.

When to use the future simple tense

Now that you’ve got the basic structure, let’s see when the future simple tense is your best friend!

Predictions based on opinion or belief

You can use this tense to make a prediction, but only if it’s based on what you think or believe. No crystal ball required: all you need is the future simple!

Examples

• I think it will rain tomorrow.
• She believes they will see a UFO tonight.
• He’ll probably arrive late, knowing him.
• I bet you’ll love this new restaurant.
• They’ll speak English if they keep working hard.
• I believe Back to the Future will still be a hit in 2030.
• My team will definitely score first!
• You’ll feel better after some rest.
• I think I’ll take a nap after lunch.
• They’ll likely change their minds.

Spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking

Do you like to go with the flow and be spontaneous? You’ll definitely need "will" for that!

Examples

• I’ll grab the check.
• You know what? I’ll watch the Back to the Future trilogy tonight.
• We’ll just go with Plan B.
• I’ll answer the door!
• Oh, I’ll have the diavola pizza, thanks – Grazie.
• You’ll see — I’ll learn the future simple tense.
• I’ll turn off the lights.
• I’ll send it to you right away.
• Wait, I’ll come with you!
• I’ll try it tomorrow.

Promises or offers

If you’re making a promise or offer, future simple is the tense to use. It’s a polite way to let people know you’re committed to follow through, or at least intending. That being said, don’t make promises you can’t fulfill, that’s not cool!

Examples

• I’ll be there, promise!
• The Doc will bring you back to the future, don’t worry.
• I’ll lend you my book.
• We’ll take care of it.
• I’ll make sure it’s done.
• You have my word; I’ll help you with your English homework.
• I’ll handle the arrangements.
• I’ll back you up on this.
• We’ll get you an answer.
• I’ll save a seat for you.

Future facts or events that will happen

Sometimes, things are just bound — or meant? — to happen. You can use the future simple to state facts you’re positive will occur.

Examples

• The sun will rise tomorrow.
• Winter will come after fall — Oh you know, with global warming, I wouldn’t be so sure!
• Elections will happen next month.
• He’ll graduate in June.
• The store will open at 9 a.m.
• The meeting will start soon.
• I’ll turn 30 next year — I wish!
• The flight will land at 8 p.m. — Are you sure about this? Who are you flying with?
• My subscription will renew monthly.
• The event will sell out fast.

Forming the future simple tense

The future simple comes in different shapes and forms. But don’t worry, it is simple!

Future simple basic structure

The simple future tense follows a super… simple structure: subject + "will" + base verb.

Examples

• I will travel next year.
• She will join us later.
• They will visit soon.
• He will bake a brownie — Yum, add a scoop of ice cream for an “à la mode”!
• We will watch the Back to the Future trilogy.
• I will take notes.
• She will learn irregular verbs in English.
• We will order food.
• They will hike tomorrow.
• I will study more.

Future simple in negative form

Sometimes, things just don’t happen — or not the way you want! If you know something won’t happen, simply add "not" to "will" — or use "won’t" for a more casual tone.

Using “will not” also emphasizes the unwillingness!

Examples

• I will not forget what I saw in the sky.
• They won’t be late.
• She won’t attend.
• I will not agree to that.
• He won’t move away.
• They won’t call back.
• We won’t leave early.
• I will not eat that.
• She will not listen to him.
• They won’t travel to the future.

Asking questions in the simple future tense

For questions, just flip the order of the sentence to "Will + subject + base verb?" Simple, right?

Examples

• Will you join us?
• Will your family attend?
• Will it rain tonight?
• Will you call me?
• Will he finish on time?
• Will she bake a cake?
• Will they agree?
• Will we see them?
• Will you remember?
• Will he leave?

Common mistakes to avoid

While the simple future is as simple as its name indicates, there are a few pitfalls many learners fall into. Let’s take a look at the main ones.

Mixing up "will" and "going to"

"Will" and "going to" both talk about future actions, but they have different rules. Prefer "will" when you’re making a spontaneous decision or a promise you’re committing to. For example, "I’ll grab that coffee for you!" or "I’ll make sure the Delorean is ready for your trip."

"Going to" is best for actions that are already planned or are pretty certain based on the present. For example, "I’m going to start a new TV show next month" or "Look at those dark clouds; it’s going to rain!"

Using "will" for questions without flipping

This is one of those sneaky mistakes that even some native speakers make. When forming questions in the future simple, don’t forget to flip "will" and the subject. It’s "Will you…?", not "You will…?" for questions. For example, instead of "You will help me?" (which sounds a bit Tarzan-like), go with "Will you help me?"

Forgetting to use the base form of the verb

When you’re using "will" for future affirmations, the verb that follows should always be in its base form (that is the simplest form of the verb, without any endings like -ed or -ing). So, forget about past tenses, -ing endings, and modifications! For example, "She will eat dinner at seven" (not "She will eating dinner" or "She will ate dinner").

Confusing “won’t” and “don’t”

"Don’t" is the negative for present tense ("I don’t eat brunch every day"), but in the future, you need "won’t." For instance, "I won’t eat brunch tomorrow." This helps clarify that you’re referring to something in the future, not something currently ongoing or habitual.

Overusing "will"

While it can be tempting to use "will" for everything in the future, some contexts call for other future forms, like the future continuous or future perfect. For instance, if you’re talking about an action that will be in progress, it’s better to say "I’ll be working all weekend" rather than "I will work all weekend."

Keep reading to compare the future simple tense with other future forms!

Simple future vs. other future forms

Here’s a quick comparison table to show you when each future tense works best.

Tips for mastering the future simple tense

Don’t worry, none of our tips involve a dusty language book! The goal is to learn, and while it involves some discipline and serious study, it’s hard to remember anything without having fun. So, try the tips below and enjoy!

Talk — to yourself, to your pet, to your plant

Imagine you’re a fortune teller every morning, looking at the mirror: "I will rock that meeting today," or "I’ll finish my gigantic to-do list." Make a habit out of it, even if your only audience is the mirror, your carnivore plant or your lovely labradoodle. Trust me, my bunny Ginger never gets tired of listening to my articles for the Berlitz blog!

Plan your future

Ok, we don’t know everything that will happen in the future. But if you have dreams or plans, write them down, and then make them happen! It doesn’t have to be anything big, for example: "Next month, I’ll finally master all the tenses in English," or "In two years, I’ll be backpacking across Europe and I’ll use that story to flirt."

Turn everyday decisions into “future simple” moments

Every time you have to make a choice, use the future simple: "I’ll take the stairs," "I’ll have a green tea," or "I’ll start watching Back to the Future tonight." Saying it out loud will help you remember, and it makes mundane things so much more dramatic!

Be on the lookout for the future simple tense

Yep, we’re giving you permission to binge-watch — not that you need it! Start listening for future simple sentences in your favorite TV shows, movies or podcasts in English. You know, like “I’ll be there for you”!

Use the future simple for self-motivation

Having a tough day? Give yourself a future pep talk: "I’ll get through this," "I’ll be OK," or even "I’ll nail the next presentation!" The future simple is an awesome confidence booster, full of positive intentions.

By now, you should totally master the future simple. After all, It’s really hard to imagine a simpler tense, with zero conjugations to remember — Hence the name! Own it. Use it. Travel to the future with it. Throw it around in your sentences like confetti. Make predictions, promises — that you can keep — and plans.

So, will you accept the future simple challenge?

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