What is the Future Indefinite Tense?
The future indefinite tense, also known as the future simple tense, is used to describe actions that will take place at a later time. It is formed using the auxiliary verb "will" or "shall" followed by the base form of the main verb.
This tense is essential for making predictions, scheduling events, and expressing spontaneous decisions.
Understanding the Future Indefinite Tense
The future indefinite tense describes actions that will occur at a later time. Unlike other tenses, it focuses purely on the action without indicating its duration or completion.
The basic structure involves the subject followed by "will" or "shall" and the base form of the verb.
For example:
I will go.
She will eat.
They will arrive.
This tense differs from other tenses in that it does not emphasize the time or completion of an action. It is purely about the future action itself.
Forming the Future Indefinite Tense
The sentence structure is straightforward: subject + will/shall + base form of the verb. Here are the different forms:
Affirmative:
You will learn.
They will visit.
We shall overcome.
Negative:
He will not stay.
We will not leave.
They shall not pass.
Interrogative:
Will she come?
Will you help?
Shall we dance?
Examples:
I will read a book.
She will write a letter.
They will go to the park.
Common Mistakes:
Using "will" with all subjects: While "will" is commonly used, "shall" is traditionally used with "I" and "we" in formal contexts. However, in modern usage, "will" is acceptable with all subjects.
Omitting "will/shall" in questions: Ensure "will" or "shall" is placed before the subject in questions.
Incorrect: You come tomorrow?
Correct: Will you come tomorrow?
Usage of the Future Indefinite Tense
This tense is used in several contexts:
Predictions and Assumptions:
It will rain tomorrow.
You will succeed.
The economy will improve next year.
Scheduled Events or Planned Actions:
The meeting will start at 10 AM.
We will travel next month.
The concert will begin at 8 PM.
Spontaneous Decisions:
I will buy it now.
She will call you soon.
We will leave immediately.
Keywords and Time Expressions
Certain keywords often indicate the future tense:
Tomorrow
Next week
Soon
Later
In a few days
Next month
Examples incorporating these keywords:
I will see you tomorrow.
They will move next week.
She will call you soon.
We will decide later.
He will finish the project in a few days.
We will start the new course next month.
Practice and Exercises
Here are some simple exercises:
Fill-in-the-blank:
They ____ (will, shall) play football tomorrow.
She ____ (will, shall) visit her friend next week.
I ____ (will, shall) finish my homework soon.
We ____ (will, shall) travel to France next month.
Multiple-choice:
He ____ finish the project soon. (will, shall)
We ____ go to the beach later. (will, shall)
She ____ call her mother tomorrow. (will, shall)
They ____ arrive next week. (will, shall)
Short Paragraph Writing Prompts:
Write a short paragraph about your plans for next weekend using the future indefinite tense.
Describe what you will do if you win the lottery.
Explain your goals for the next year.