Simple Future Tense: Definition, Formula, Structure and Uses with Examples

The simple future tense is among the fundamental aspects of the English language that enable us to make statements regarding events that will occur in the future. No matter whether you are predicting, planning, promising, or deciding, the simple future tense is one of the most valuable resources for conveying information. This blog will discuss what is a simple future tense, how it is constructed, the formula and rules, and the cases when a particular tense is used, illustrated by examples and exercises for practice.

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What is a Simple Future tense?

The simple future tense is used to talk about activities or events that are likely to happen in the future. It is probably one of the most obvious methods of discussing future scenarios, goals, and objectives. This tense is fundamental for anyone learning English since it is constantly used in both writing and speech.

Definition of Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense definition states the action or event that is likely to occur in the future. This is obtained by incorporating the auxiliary verb, ‘will’ into the base form of the main verb in a particular sentence. For instance, in the sentence “She will visit the museum tomorrow”, “will visit” is a simple future tense because it shows that the action will take place in the future.

Structure and Formula of Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense structure is very important. The simple future tense formula relates to the subject, the auxiliary verb ‘will’, and the bare infinitive of the main verb.

Structure Example
Subject + will + base verb She will call me tomorrow.
Subject + will + base verb They will come for dinner tomorrow.
Subject + will + base verb I will meet you on Friday.
Subject + will + base verb He will travel next month.
Subject + will + base verb We will practice on the terrace.

In these examples, "will" is the auxiliary verb indicating future tense, and the verbs "call," "come," "meet," "travel," and "practice" are in their base forms.

Rules of Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense rules are straightforward, making it easy to use correctly.

1. Use "will" for all subjects: Regardless of the subject, the auxiliary verb "will" remains the same.

  • Example: "I will go," "You will go," "He will go," "We will go," "They will go."

2. Use the base form of the verb: The main verb stays in its base form without any modifications.

  • Example: "She will call," "They will sing," "I will meet.”

3. Contractions are common in spoken English: "Will" is often contracted to "'ll" in informal speech.

  • Example: "I'll go," "You'll see," "He'll come."

4. Negative form: Add "not" after "will" to make the sentence negative.

  • Example: "She will not (won't) come," "They will not (won't) wait."

5. Question form: Invert "will" and the subject to form questions.

  • Example: "Will she come?" "Will they wait?"

Uses of Simple Future Tense

The uses of simple future tense are versatile and can be used in various contexts to convey different meanings:

Simple Future Tense for Statements

Statements in the simple future tense express future actions, events, or states.

Example: "He will start his new job next week."

Example: "They will visit the museum on Saturday.”

How to Use Simple Future Tense for Negatives?

To form a sentence of simple future tense negative, add "not" after "will." The contraction "won't" is often used in spoken and informal written English.

Example: "She will not (won't) attend the meeting."

Example: "I will not (won't) forget your birthday.”

How to Use Simple Future Tense for Questions?

To form questions in the simple future tense, invert the subject and "will."

Example: "Will you join us for dinner?"

Example: "Will they finish the project on time?”

How to Use the Simple Future Tense with Adverbs?

Adverbs can be used with the simple future tense to add more information about the time, manner, place, or frequency of the action.

Example: "She will probably arrive late."

Example: "They will enjoy the party."

Example: "I will always remember this date.”

How to Use the Simple Future Tense in Passive Voice?

In the passive voice, the focus is on the action and the receiver of the action rather than the doer. The structure changes slightly: "will be" + past participle of the main verb.

Example: "The report will be completed by tomorrow."

Example: "The cake will be baked by her.”

Examples of Simple Future Tense

Here are some simple future-tense examples of sentences to illustrate their usage.

Example Explanation
She will start her new project next month. Indicates a future action (starting a new project).
They will travel to Hong Kong next year. Indicates a plan (travelling to Hong Kong).
I will meet you when I arrive. Indicates a future action (meeting upon arrival).
He will visit his sibling this weekend. Indicates a plan (visiting siblings).
We will meet at the cafeteria at 6 PM. Indicates a future arrangement (meeting at the cafeteria).
The bus will leave at 9 o'clock. Indicates a scheduled event (bus leaving).
She will not attend the birthday party. Negative sentence (not attending the birthday party).
Will you come to the class? Question (asking about coming to the class).
They will have a match if the weather is good. Conditional future (playing a match).
It will be rainy tomorrow. Prediction (weather will be rainy)

Exercises for Simple Future Tense

To practice using the tense, complete the following simple future tense exercises. Answers are provided at the end.

Simple Future Tense Exercises for Beginner

  1. She __________ (go) to the hospital tomorrow.
  2. They __________ (play) tennis in the afternoon.
  3.  I __________ (visit) my best friend next week.
  4. We __________ (cut)  the cake at 7 PM.
  5. He __________ (meet) you later.

Simple Future Tense Exercises for Intermediate

  1. By this time next year, she __________ (finish) her studies.
  2. They __________ (start) the construction next year.
  3.  I __________ (not/forget) to send you the letter.
  4. Will you __________ (join) us for dinner?
  5. The event __________ (take place) next Thursday.

Simple Future Tense Exercises for Advanced

  1. By the end of the day, they __________ (complete) the task.
  2. We __________ (not/play) the match if it rains.
  3. She __________ (probably/arrive) soon.
  4. Will the data collection __________ (be/finish) by tomorrow?
  5. I __________ (always/remember) this birthday.

Answers to Exercises

Simple Future Tense Exercises for Beginners

  1. She will go to the hospital tomorrow.
  2. They will play tennis in the afternoon.
  3.  I will visit my best friend next week.
  4. We will cut the cake at 7 PM.
  5. He will meet you later.

Simple Future Tense Exercises for Intermediate

  1. By this time next year, she will have finished her studies.
  2. They will start the construction next year.
  3. I will not forget to send you the letter.
  4. Will you join us for dinner?
  5. The event will take place next Thursday.

Simple Future Tense Exercises for Advanced

  1. By the end of the day, they will have completed the task.
  2. We will not play the match if it rains.
  3. She will probably arrive soon.
  4. Will the data collection be finished by tomorrow?
  5. I will always remember this birthday.

FAQs

Ans: The simple future tense is a verb tense used to describe actions or events that will occur after the present moment. It is formed by using the auxiliary verb “will”, followed by the base form of the main verb. This tense is essential for expressing future intentions, plans, predictions, and decisions. For example, “She will visit her grandmother tomorrow” indicates an action that will take place in the future.

Ans: To form negative sentences in the simple future tense, you add “not” after the auxiliary verb “will.” In spoken and informal written English, “will not” is often contracted to “won’t.” This structure expresses that an action or event will not happen in the future.

Ans: Questions in the simple future tense are formed by inverting the subject and the auxiliary verb “will.” This means placing “will” before the subject. This structure helps to inquire about future actions, events, or plans.

Ans: Yes, contractions are commonly used in the simple future tense, especially in spoken and informal written English. Contractions make the speech more fluid and natural. For example, “I will” becomes “I’ll,” “you will” becomes “you’ll,” “he will” becomes “he’ll,” and so on. Simple future tense in English is useful and appropriate in casual conversations, informal writing, and dialogue but is generally avoided in formal writing.

Ans: The simple future tense is used in several contexts:

Predictions: To express something you believe will happen.

Plans and Intentions: For decisions or plans made for the future.

Promises and Offers: To make commitments or offers.

Spontaneous Decisions: For decisions made at the moment of speaking.

Ans: Yes, adverbs can be used with the simple future tense to add more information about the time, manner, place, or frequency of the action. Adverbs can modify the entire sentence and provide additional context, making your sentences more precise and informative.

Ans: In the passive voice, the focus is on the action and its receiver rather than the doer. The structure of simple future tense sentences changes slightly to “will be” + past participle of the main verb. The passive voice emphasises the action or the recipient rather than the performer.

Ans: While the simple future tense can describe future events, scheduled events are often described using the present continuous or simple present tense to convey a sense of certainty. However, the simple future tense can still be used when making predictions or discussing certain plans.

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