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Grammar Lessons

Future Tense

Plans, Predictions & the Near Future

English has three main ways to talk about the future — and they are not interchangeable. This lesson explains when to use each one, then practises them through real questions about your plans and the future of the world.

Beginner · A2 Lesson ready

Grammar Focus

Three structures — three different meanings.

will + base verb

For spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking, offers, promises, and predictions based on opinion.

+ Subject + will + base verb — "I'll text you later."
− Subject + won't + base verb — "She won't be long."
? Will + subject + base verb + …? — "Will you help me with this?"

be going to + base verb

For plans or intentions decided before the moment of speaking, and for predictions based on visible evidence.

+ Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb — "I'm going to see a film tonight."
− Subject + am/is/are + not going to + base verb — "They're not going to make it."
? Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base verb? — "Are you going to apply?"

Present Progressive for future

For arrangements that are planned, booked, or confirmed — especially when a time or place is involved.

+ Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing — "I'm meeting her tomorrow."
− Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing — "We're not flying — we're taking the train."
? Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing + …? — "Are you coming to the party?"

Which one do I use?

will

Decided just now, or a general prediction / opinion.

"It's cold — I'll close the window."

going to

Already decided before now, or evidence-based prediction.

"Look at those clouds — it's going to rain."

Present Progressive

Booked, arranged, or fixed — usually with a time or person.

"I'm having lunch with my boss on Friday."

Vocabulary in Context

Six phrasal verbs that come up naturally when talking about plans, goals, and the future. Each example uses a future structure.

01

look forward to

Meaning

To feel excited or happy about something that is going to happen. Note: always followed by a noun or verb+-ing.

Example

"I'm really looking forward to my holiday next month — I need a break."

Conversation questions

  • What are you looking forward to in the next few months?
  • Is there something coming up that you're not particularly looking forward to?
02

set up

Meaning

To organise, arrange, or start something — a meeting, a business, a system.

Example

"I'm going to set up a meeting with the team next week to talk through the new plan."

Conversation questions

  • Have you ever set up something of your own — a project, a business, an event?
  • If you could set up any kind of business or project, what would it be?
03

come up

Meaning

For something to happen unexpectedly, or for a topic to arise in conversation.

Example

"Something's come up at work — I'm going to have to cancel our plans. I'm so sorry."

Conversation questions

  • Has anything unexpected come up recently that changed your plans?
  • What kinds of things most often come up and disrupt your schedule?
04

cut down on

Meaning

To reduce the amount of something you do or consume.

Example

"I'm going to cut down on screen time this year — I spend far too long on my phone."

Conversation questions

  • Is there anything you're planning to cut down on this year? Why?
  • Do you think it's harder to cut down on habits you enjoy? How do you motivate yourself?
05

take on

Meaning

To accept or begin a new responsibility, challenge, or piece of work.

Example

"I'm going to take on a new project next quarter — it's a big challenge, but I think I'm ready."

Conversation questions

  • Are you planning to take on anything new or challenging in the near future?
  • How do you decide whether to take on more responsibilities or protect your time?
06

figure out

Meaning

To find a solution, understand something, or decide on a plan after thinking about it.

Example

"I haven't decided yet — I'll figure it out over the weekend."

Conversation questions

  • Is there something in your life you're still trying to figure out?
  • Do you tend to figure things out by talking them through with others, or by thinking alone?

Conversation Practice

Questions grouped by theme. The structure to use is shown in brackets — try to use the phrasal verbs from the cards above where they fit naturally.

Near Future & Plans

  • What are you doing this weekend? Do you have anything arranged? (present progressive)
  • Are you going anywhere special in the next few months? (going to)
  • What are you looking forward to at the moment — work, personal life, or both?
  • Is there anything new you're going to take on this year — a skill, a project, a challenge? (going to)
  • If you get a free day off next week with no plans, what will you do? (will)

Goals & Changes

  • What work or personal skills are you going to improve this year? (going to)
  • Is there anything you're planning to cut down on — bad habits, screen time, spending?
  • Are you going to set up any new routines or systems to help you reach a goal? (going to)
  • Is there something in your life you haven't figured out yet — a big decision or a direction you're still working on?

Predictions about the World

  • Do you think robots will replace teachers in the future? What about doctors? (will)
  • Will people still use cash in 20 years, or will everything be digital? (will)
  • Do you think artificial intelligence will create more jobs or fewer jobs overall?
  • Do you think space tourism will be common in your lifetime? Would you go?