B2 FIRST · GRAMMAR · PART 4

Future forms

Will, going to, the present continuous, and future continuous and perfect: will be doing, will have done.

Finn says

English has several ways to talk about the future, and each one says something slightly different. Part 4 loves to test the difference!

The main forms

will

decisions now, predictions, promises, offers

I'll help you. It will probably rain.

going to

plans and intentions; predictions with evidence

I'm going to study medicine. Look at those clouds – it's going to rain.

present continuous

arrangements with a time and place

I'm meeting Sara at six.

present simple

timetables

The train leaves at 7.15.

future continuous

will be + -ing: in progress at a future time

This time tomorrow I'll be lying on a beach.

future perfect

will have + past participle: finished before a future time

By June, I'll have finished my exams.

be about to

very near future

Hurry – the film is about to start.

be likely to

probable

Prices are likely to rise.

In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (2–5 words).

I plan to visit my grandparents at the weekend.
GOING
I'm going to visit my grandparents at the weekend.

A plan or intention → going to.

I'll finish the report before Friday.
HAVE
I will have finished the report by Friday.

Finished before a future time → future perfect.

Prices will probably go up next year.
LIKELY
Prices are likely to go up next year.

Probably will → be likely to.

✗ I'll meet the doctor at 3 tomorrow – it's booked.✓ I'm meeting the doctor at 3 tomorrow.A fixed arrangement → present continuous.
✗ When I will finish, I will call you.✓ When I finish, I will call you.After when, as soon as, before, until → present tense, not will.
✗ By 2030 I will finish university.✓ By 2030 I will have finished university.By + future time → future perfect.

Finn's exam tip

Watch the time word: 'by (Friday)' usually means future perfect; 'this time next week' means future continuous; 'probably' can become 'be likely to'.

Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 2–5 words.

Practice → Check → Learn → Repeat ↻