Other Forms of Future

Other than future tenses in previous lessons, learners should also be aware that there are other forms used to express or talk about the future, too. This lesson will give you a short explanation of those forms as follow.

PRESENT SIMPLE

We use it to talk about fixed events (which are not simply the wishes of the speaker), programs, and schedules (a list of planned activities or things to be done). For examples,

• We finish semester one on January 25 next year.
• I flight this evening.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

We use it to describe fixed arrangements (what you have arranged to do), especially social (like parties, meetings…) and travel arrangements. A time reference is usually given. For examples,

• We are having a cycle meeting next week. 
• We have bought two tickets. We're seeing a play this weekend.

BE TO + VERB

We use ti for formal plans, official arrangements, and prohibitions. For examples,

• The factory is to close three weeks for repair.
• You are not to open files in the flash drive before scanning.

BE DUE TO / BE ABOUT TO + VERB

We use it to show an immediate future or something will happen shortly after you speaking (or something takes place at a fixed time). For examples,  

• He is about to leave to room. [ He is at the door way now.]
• I think the play is about to start now. [It is on time now.]

MODAL + VERB

We use to show future possibility or probability. For examples,  

• I may go shopping tonight, I haven't decided yet.
• I may pursue a degree in economics or marketing after I finish this course.

VERB + TO INFINITIVE

There are some certain verbs which already express future meaning like plan, intend, propose, hope, agree, promise... For examples,

• I intend to run my own business.
• She has proposed to change our plan.
• We have just agreed to launch a new product.