There are several ways of expressing future time in English. These sentences refer to plans, intentions or arrangements in the future.
The weather is getting hotter so I'm going to spend the summer by the sea.
I’m going to + verb in infinitive – is a prediction based on a present situation/evidence.
I'm visiting Malta this summer.
I'm visiting (present continuous) – is a fixed arrangement in the future.
I think I'll go to Spain for my next holiday but I’m not sure yet.
I'll go – will + base form – is an uncertainty or possibility.
I'm going to be in Rome in two weeks time.
I'm going to + verb in infinitive – is a plan or an intention.
Notice that it is the context or situation that determines the correct tense to use when expressing future time.
Here are three conversations. Eight verbs are missing. Select the correct verb from the choices given below the conversations.
Conversation 1
Person A: So what are your plans for the Summer?
Person B: I'm not sure yet but I think _1_ (spend) two weeks by the sea.
Person A: That sounds great. Jake and I _2_ (tour) the Mediterranean on a cruise.
Person B: Fantastic! How long is the cruise?
Person A: We _3_ (spend) two weeks on the ship.
Conversation 2
Person A: _4_ (go) to town to do some shopping at around noon. Do you want to come?
Person B: _5_ (meet) my brother for lunch but _6_ (join) you later.
Conversation 3
Person A: I think _7_ (go) to the park this afternoon.
Person B: I don' think it’s a good idea. It looks like _8_ (rain)
Person A: Yes you’re right. _9_ (take) an umbrella just in case.
Lesson by Tristan
