Tuesday

GRAMMAR RECAP : TALKING ABOUT THE FUTURE

There is no future tense in the English language ('will' is a modal auxiliary verb, not a tense) and therefore a number of different structures are employed to refer to future actions or states:

Fixed Arrangements
    We are seeing our new provider this afternoon.


    Intentions
      We are going to cut costs by reducing headcount.


      Simple Predictions
        The markets will probably remain at this level until the end of the year.


        Predictions Based on Present Evidence
          No one seems to agree about anything; this is going to be a tough project.


          Spontaneous Decisions
            The fax isn't working? No problem - I'll scan the document and email it to him.


            Emphatic Language
              I promise that this will be done by the end of the day.


              Future Facts
                Our company will celebrate its 50 years of existence next month


                Schedules and Timetables
                  The meeting starts in ten minutes


                  Referring to the Natural Course of Events
                    This is your captain speaking We will be landing shortly at Heathrow airport.


                    Actions Happening at a Specific Time in the Future
                      I'm sorry, but at 3pm tomorrow I'll be sitting in a meeting. How about Friday ?


                      Making and Inviting Suggestions
                        What time shall we meet ? Shall we say 10 am ?
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