Future Simple

How to build it

• Affirmative: will + base form, the same for every person: She will write the letter. Short form: I’ll, she’ll, they’ll.
• Negative: will not (won’t) + base form: She won’t write the letter.
• Question: Will + subject + base form: Will she write the letter?
• shall is still used with I/we in offers and suggestions: Shall I open the window? Shall we go?

When to use it

• Decisions made at the moment of speaking: It’s cold — I’ll close the window.
• Predictions based on opinion or experience, often with think, probably, I’m sure: I think it will rain later.
• Promises, offers, requests and refusals: I’ll help you. Will you marry me? The car won’t start.
• Facts about the future: She’ll be thirty next year.
• The main clause of the first conditional: If you hurry, you’ll catch the bus.

Examples

• Don’t worry, I’ll call you tomorrow.
• Will you be at home tonight?
• I’m sure you’ll love this film.
• He won’t tell anyone, I promise.
• Prices will probably go up again.

Common mistakes

• will after if, when, as soon as, before, until: When I will finish, I will call you → When I finish, I’ll call you. In Ukrainian you say коли закінчу (future), in English the time clause takes the Present Simple.
• Using it for plans already made: I will meet my friends tonight → I’m meeting my friends tonight (arrangement) or I’m going to meet them (intention).
• Using it for predictions with evidence now: Look at those clouds — it will rain → it’s going to rain.
• will + to: I will to go → I will go.

The passive

will + be + V3: The letter will be written. Common in plans, announcements and formal writing: The results will be published on Monday. You will be contacted by our manager. The bridge will be finished next year.