The present simple

The present simple is used to make simple statements See also:

of fact, to talk about things that happen repeatedly, Present continuous 4 Present for future
events 19 Adverbs of frequency 102
and to describe things that are always true.

THE PRESENT SIMPLE

To make the present simple of most verbs,
use the base form (the infinitive without “to”).

The base form of Adverbs of frequency

the verb “to eat.” are often used with the
present simple.

With “he,” “she,” and “it,” add “-s” to the base form.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

HOW TO FORM The base form of the verb.

SUBJECT VERB REST OF SENTENCE

With “he,” “she,” and “it,” “-s” is added.

8
 “-S” AND “-ES” ENDINGS
With some verbs, “-es” is added for “he,” “she,” and “it.”
These include verbs ending with “-sh,” “-ch,” “-o,” “-ss,” “-x,” and “-z.”

“-es” is added to “-es” is added to “-es” is added to

verbs ending verbs ending verbs ending
with “-o.” with “-sh.” with “-ch.”

“-es” is added to “-es” is added “-es” is added to

verbs ending to verbs ending verbs ending
with “-ss.” with “-x.” with “-z.”

FURTHER EXAMPLES

COMMON MISTAKES FORMING THE PRESENT SIMPLE

When the present simple is used with There is no need to add the auxiliary verb
“he,” “she,” “it,” or one person’s name, “do” when forming the present simple. It is
it always ends in “-s” or “-es.” only used to form questions and negatives.

An “s” is added to the

base form “start.”

“Start” without an “s” is only used “Do” is only used as an auxiliary verb when
for “I,” “you,” “we,” and “they.” forming negatives or questions.

9
 “BE” IN THE PRESENT SIMPLE
“Be” is an important verb with an
irregular present simple form.

“Are” also follows “Is” also follows

“we” and “they.” “she” and “it.”

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT “BE” REST OF SENTENCE

FURTHER EXAMPLES Contractions can

also be used.

10
 “HAVE” IN THE PRESENT SIMPLE HOW TO FORM
“Have” is an irregular verb. The third person
singular form is “has” not “haves.”
SUBJECT “HAVE” OBJECT

“Has” is used for the third person

singular: “he,” “she,” and “it.”

FURTHER EXAMPLES

11
 The present simple negative
To make negative sentences using “be” in the present See also:
simple, “not” is added after the verb. For other verbs, Present simple 1 Present overview 5
Types of verbs 49
the auxiliary verb “do not” or “does not” is used.

NEGATIVES WITH THE VERB “BE”

The verb “be” takes the
same form in positive and
negative sentences. The only
di erence is adding “not.”

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT + “BE” “NOT” REST OF SENTENCE

NEGATIVE CONTRACTIONS
“Is not” and “are not”
can be contracted in “You are”
two ways. The becomes “you’re.”
subject and verb can
be contracted, or the
verb and “not.” They
mean the same thing.
“Are not” becomes “aren’t.”

FURTHER EXAMPLES

“I amn’t” is incorrect.

12
 NEGATIVES WITH OTHER VERBS IN THE PRESENT SIMPLE
For verbs other than
“be,” “do not” or
“does not” goes
before the verb to
make the negative.

Verb in
base form.

HOW TO FORM

SUBJECT “DO / DOES” + “NOT” BASE FORM REST OF SENTENCE

The base form is used no

matter what the subject is.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

This is the contracted

form of “does not.”

COMMON MISTAKES FORMING NEGATIVE SENTENCES

The main verb in a negative sentence

always stays in its base form, even if
the subject is “he,” she,” or “it.”

13
 Present simple questions
Questions in the present simple with “be” are formed by See also:
swapping the verb and subject. For other verbs, the auxiliary Present simple 1 Forming questions 34
Question words 35 Open questions 36
verb “do” or “does” must be added before the subject.

QUESTIONS WITH “BE” IN THE PRESENT SIMPLE

To form questions in the In a statement, the subject
comes before the verb.
present simple using “be,”
reverse the order of the
subject and the verb.

In a question, the verb moves The subject comes after the verb.
to the start of the sentence.

HOW TO FORM
“BE” SUBJECT REST OF SENTENCE

FURTHER EXAMPLES Question words can be used before

the verb to form open questions.

14
 QUESTIONS WITH “DO” AND “DOES”
For questions with
verbs other than
“be,” start the
question with
“do” or “does.”
Don’t swap the
subject and the
main verb. Add “do” to questions Add “does” to The main verb goes
with “I,” “you,” “we,” questions with in its base form.
and “they.” “he,” “she,” and “it.”

HOW TO FORM
“DO / DOES” SUBJECT BASE FORM OF VERB REST OF SENTENCE

The verb never takes an “-s” or

“-es” when you ask a question.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

Question words can be used before

“do” or “does” to form open questions.

COMMON MISTAKES FORMING PRESENT SIMPLE QUESTIONS

Never add “-s” or “-es” to the base form of the verb when asking
a question, even in the third person singular (“he,” “she,” or “it”).

The main verb always goes in Do not add “-s” or “-es” to the main
its base form in questions. verb when asking a question.

15
 The present continuous
The present continuous is used to talk about continued See also:
actions that are happening in the present moment. Present simple 1 Action and state verbs 50
Infinitives and participles 51
It is formed with “be” and a present participle.

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS

The present continuous is This is the present simple. It describes
used to describe a current, a repeated action or situation.
continued action.

The present continuous This is the present continuous. It describes

uses the verb “be.” what is happening right now.

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT “AM / IS / ARE” VERB + “-ING” REST OF SENTENCE

Present participle

FURTHER EXAMPLES The subject and the verb

can be contracted.

16
 PRESENT PARTICIPLE SPELLING RULES
The present participle is formed by adding “-ing” to the base form
of the verb. Some participles have slightly di erent spelling rules.

Last letter Last letters Last letters are consonant–vowel–consonant

is an “-e.” are “-ie.” and the final syllable is stressed.

Add “-ing” to form Leave out “e.” Change Double the last
regular present participles. “-ie” to “y.” letter, unless it’s
“w,” “x,” or “y.”

TIP
Present participles
FURTHER EXAMPLES follow the same
spelling rules
as gerunds.
Don’t double the last letter because
the final syllable is not stressed.

COMMON MISTAKES STATE VERBS IN CONTINUOUS TENSES

Action verbs can be used in simple and continuous forms.

State verbs are not usually used in continuous forms.

ACTION STATE

17
 QUESTIONS IN THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS
To ask questions in the present “He” is the subject.
continuous, swap the subject
and the form of “be.”

In a question, the verb moves This action is happening right now.

to the start of the sentence.

HOW TO FORM

“AM / IS / ARE” SUBJECT VERB + “-ING” REST OF SENTENCE

FURTHER EXAMPLES Question words such as “what,” “where,” and “how”

can be used before the verb to form open questions.

18
 THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS NEGATIVE
To make the negative of the present
continuous, add “not” after “be.”

The present participle

Add “not” after “be” to make the stays the same when
negative. Contractions are also possible. you make the negative.

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT “AM / IS / ARE” + “NOT” VERB + “-ING” REST OF SENTENCE

The present participle

doesn’t change.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

19
 Present tenses overview
THE PRESENT SIMPLE AND THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS
The present simple is used to talk about This is always true.
permanent situations, regular occurrences,
things that are always true, repeated actions,
and ongoing states.

This is a temporary situation.

The present continuous is used to refer
to temporary situations, repeated actions
around the present moment, and ongoing
actions in the present moment.

PRESENT TENSE QUESTIONS

Present simple
questions with “be”
are formed di erently
from other verbs. The form of “be” comes “Do” or “does” is added
before the subject. before the subject.

Present continuous
questions are always
formed in the same way.
The form of “be” comes
before the subject.

COMMON MISTAKES USING “S” IN THE PRESENT SIMPLE

“-s” is never added to the base form of the AFFIRMATIVE

verb when asking a question or making a
negative sentence, even in the third person An “-s” is added to the base
form in a rmative sentences.
singular (“he,” “she,” or “it”).

The base form without an “-s” is only

used for “I,” “you,” “we,” and “they.”

20
The present simple and present continuous are used in See also:
di erent situations. There are di erent ways to form Present simple 1 Present continuous 4
Forming questions 34 Infinitives and participles 51
questions and negatives with these tenses.

This is a repeated action.

This is a continuing state.

This is a repeated action happening

around the present moment.

This is an ongoing action

in the present moment.

PRESENT TENSE NEGATIVES

Present simple
negatives with
“be” are formed
di erently from “Not” is added after “Do not” or “does not” is added
the form of “be.” between the subject and main verb.
other verbs.

Present continuous
negatives are always
formed in the same way.
“Not” is added after
the form of “be.”

QUESTION NEGATIVE
The verb always goes in its The base form is used
base form in questions. in the negative.

“-s” or “-es” are not added to the “-s” or “-es” are not added to the
main verb when asking a question. main verb in negative sentences.

21
 Imperatives
Imperatives are used to give commands or to make See also:
requests. They can also be used to give warnings Types of verbs 49 Suggestions and advice 59
Indefinite pronouns 79
or directions.

IMPERATIVES An exclamation mark is used if the imperative is urgent.

Imperatives are formed using
the base form of the verb
(the infinitive without “to”).

The base form of the

verb “to stop.”

FURTHER EXAMPLES

NEGATIVE IMPERATIVES
“Do not” or “don’t”
can be added before
the verb to make an
imperative negative.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

22
 SUBJECTS WITH IMPERATIVES
An imperative sentence does not
usually have a subject, but sometimes
a noun or a pronoun is used to make
it clear who is being talked to.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

For emphasis “you” can be The subject can also

used in an imperative clause. be placed at the end.

POLITE REQUESTS
Imperatives in English
can be considered rude.
Words can be added to
make them more polite. “Please” can be placed before the imperative
verb to make a request more polite.

“Just” can go before “Please” can also be placed “Do” can go before the imperative
the imperative. at the end of the sentence. verb to make a request more formal.

MAKING SUGGESTIONS WITH “LET’S”

“Let’s” can be used to make Base form.
a suggestion for an activity
that includes the speaker.

“Not” goes after “let’s” to form the negative.

23
 The past simple
The past simple is used to talk about completed actions See also:
that happened at a fixed time in the past. It is the most Past simple negative 8 Past simple questions 9
Present perfect simple 11
commonly used past tense in English.

REGULAR VERBS IN THE PAST SIMPLE

To form a regular verb in the past simple,
“-ed” is added to the base form.

TUESDAY TODAY

The verb ends in "-ed.” Fixed point in the past.

HOW TO FORM
Most verbs in the past SUBJECT PAST VERB REST OF SENTENCE
simple do not change
with the subject.

The same form is

used for all subjects.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

24
 SPELLING RULES FOR THE PAST SIMPLE
The past simple of all regular verbs ends in “-ed,” but for
some verbs, there are some spelling changes, too.
Last letters are a A stressed final syllable ending
Last letter is “-e.” consonant and a “-y.” consonant-vowel-consonant.

For many regular Just a “-d” The “-y” is removed The last consonant
verbs, “-ed” is added. and “-ied” is is doubled and
is added. added instead. “-ed” is added.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

25
 IRREGULAR VERBS IN THE PAST SIMPLE
Some verbs do not take “Went” is the past simple of “go.”
“-ed” to form the past
simple. There are no
specific rules about how
to form irregular verbs
in the past simple.

YESTERDAY TODAY

COMMON IRREGULAR VERBS IN THE PAST SIMPLE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

26
 “BE” IN THE PAST SIMPLE
The past simple of “be”
is completely irregular.
It is the only verb in
the past simple which
changes depending
on the subject.

PAST NOW

HOW TO FORM
The past simple
of “be” changes SUBJECT “BE” REST OF SENTENCE

with the subject.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

27
 The past simple negative
The past simple negative is used to talk about things that See also:
did not happen in the past. It is always formed the same Past simple 7 Present simple negative 2
Types of verbs 49
way, unless the main verb is “be.”

THE PAST SIMPLE NEGATIVE

The past simple
negative uses “did
not” or “didn’t”
with the base form “played” is the To make the negative,
past simple. “didn’t” is used with
of the main verb. the base form.
The main verb is
not put into the
past simple.
LAST WEEK YESTERDAY TODAY

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT “DID NOT / DIDN’T” BASE FORM OF VERB REST OF SENTENCE

“Didn’t” or “did not” are used The base form of the

to make the negative, no main verb is used in
matter what the subject is. the past simple negative.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

“Did not” is only used for

emphasis, or in formal situations.

28
 COMMON MISTAKES BASE FORMS IN THE PAST SIMPLE NEGATIVE

When using the negative form of the past simple, “didn’t” plus the main
verb in the base form is used. The main verb is never in the past simple.

“Play” should be in The main verb should only go into the

the base form. past simple if it’s a positive statement.

THE PAST SIMPLE NEGATIVE OF “BE”

To form the past simple negative of “be,”
“not” is added after “was” or “were.”

HOW TO FORM

SUBJECT “WAS / WERE” “NOT” REST OF SENTENCE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

“Was not” is often “Were not” is often

shortened to “wasn’t.” shortened to “weren’t.”

29
 Past simple questions
Questions in the past simple are formed using “did.” For See also:
past simple questions with “be,” the subject and the verb Past simple 7 Forming questions 34
Types of verbs 49
“was” or “were” are swapped around.

QUESTIONS IN THE PAST SIMPLE

Use “did” plus the base form of the verb
to ask a question in the past simple.

In the statement the main

verb is in the past simple.

“Did” goes before The main verb You can add question words
the subject. is in its base form. to ask open questions.

HOW TO FORM

“DID” SUBJECT BASE FORM OF VERB REST OF SENTENCE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

Add question words

to make open questions.

30
 QUESTIONS IN THE PAST SIMPLE WITH “BE”
To make a question
using the verb “be” in In a statement, the subject
the past simple, swap comes before the verb.
the order of the subject
and “was” or “were.”

In a question, the verb and The subject comes after the verb.
the subject swap places.

HOW TO FORM

“WAS / WERE” SUBJECT REST OF SENTENCE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

Add question words

to make open questions.

31
 The past continuous
The past continuous is used in English to talk about actions See also:
or events that were in progress at some time in the past. It is Past simple 7
Infinitives and participles 51
formed with “was” or “were” and a present participle.

THE PAST CONTINUOUS

Past simple shows the action
English uses the past happened once and is now finished.
continuous to talk about
ongoing actions that were
in progress at a certain
time in the past.

11:30AM 12:00PM 12:30PM

The past continuous
shows the action went
on for some time, but
is now finished.

Past continuous describes

a continuing action.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

HOW TO FORM
“Was” or “were” followed by the present participle form the past continuous.

SUBJECT “WAS / WERE” VERB + “-ING” REST OF SENTENCE

“Was” or “were” is used “-ing” is added

depending on the subject. to the main verb.

32
 THE PAST CONTINUOUS FOR SCENE-SETTING
The past continuous is often used in storytelling
to set a scene or describe a situation.

THE PAST CONTINUOUS AND THE PAST SIMPLE

When English uses the past continuous and past simple together, the
past continuous describes a longer, background action, and the past
simple describes a shorter action that interrupts the background action.

CONTINUING BACKGROUND ACTION INTERRUPTING MAIN ACTION

FURTHER EXAMPLES

33
 The present perfect simple
The present perfect simple is used to talk about events See also:
in the recent past that still have an e ect on the present Past simple 7 Present perfect continuous 12
Infinitives and participles 51
moment. It is formed with “have” and a past participle.

PRESENT PERFECT
The present perfect can be used to talk about
the past in a number of di erent ways:

To give new information

or news.

To talk about a repeated

action that continues to
happen over a period of time.

To talk about an event that

started in the past and is still
happening now.

FURTHER EXAMPLES THE PRESENT PERFECT

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT “HAVE / HAS” PAST PARTICIPLE REST OF SENTENCE

“Has” is used for

“he,” “she,” and “it.”

34
 REGULAR PAST PARTICIPLES IRREGULAR PAST PARTICIPLES
Regular past participles are formed English has a lot of irregular past participles, which
by adding “-ed” to the base form. sometimes look very di erent from the base form.

COMMON MISTAKES PAST SIMPLE FORMS AND PAST PARTICIPLES

It is important not
This is the past participle of “see.”
to mix up past
simple forms with
past participles.

This is the past simple form of “see,”

and shouldn’t be used in perfect tenses.

35
 “GONE / BEEN”
“Be” and “go” are
both used in the
present perfect
to talk about
going somewhere,
but they have She is still in Florida.
di erent meanings.

She went to Florida, but

now she is back home.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

36
 THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE AND THE PAST SIMPLE
The past simple is used to talk about something that happened at a definite
time. The present perfect is used when a particular time is not specified.

A specific date, 2010, is given, There’s no specific date, so

so the past simple is used. the present perfect is used.

2010 NOW 2003 2008 2010 2014 NOW

FURTHER EXAMPLES

PAST SIMPLE PRESENT PERFECT

THE PRESENT PERFECT IN US ENGLISH

US English often uses the past simple when
UK English would use the present perfect.

37
 The present perfect continuous
The present perfect continuous is used to talk about a See also:
continuing activity in the past that still has an e ect on Past simple 7 Present perfect simple 11
Infinitives and participles 51
the present moment. It usually refers to the recent past.

THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

The present perfect continuous describes an activity that took place over a period
of time in the recent past. The activity might just have stopped or might still be happening.
The past activity
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS often a ects the
present moment.

FURTHER EXAMPLES
“I have” can be shortened to “I’ve.” “He has” can be shortened to “He’s.”

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT “HAS / HAVE” “BEEN” VERB + “-ING” OBJECT

Use “have” or “has,” “Been” stays the “-ing” is added to

depending on the subject. same for all subjects. the main verb.

38
 THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS AND THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
The present perfect continuous is used to show that an activity in the
past was in progress. It is possible that the activity is still taking place.

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

The present perfect simple is used to show

that an activity in the past is finished.
PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

39
 The past perfect simple
English uses the past perfect simple with the past simple See also:
to talk about two or more events that happened Past simple 7 Present perfect simple 11
Past perfect continuous 14 Participles 51
at di erent times in the past.

THE PAST PERFECT SIMPLE

When talking about two events that happened at di erent times in the
past, the past simple describes the event that is closest to the time of
speaking. The past perfect describes an event further back in the past.

PAST PERFECT SIMPLE PAST SIMPLE

8:10PM 8:20PM NOW

7:00AM 7:30AM NOW

HOW TO FORM
Use “had” followed by the past participle to form the past perfect.

SUBJECT “HAD” PAST PARTICIPLE REST OF SENTENCE

“Had” does not change The past participle expresses

with the subject. the action in the past.

40
FURTHER EXAMPLES Even if the past simple action is first in
the sentence, it still happened later.

THE PRESENT PERFECT AND PAST PERFECT

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

The present perfect is used to talk about

an action that took place in the recent past
and is still relevant to the present moment.

ONE HOUR AGO NOW

PAST PERFECT SIMPLE

The past perfect is used to talk

about an action that took place
before another moment in the past.

ONE HOUR BEFORE PAST NOW

41
 The past perfect continuous
English uses the past perfect continuous with the past See also:
simple to talk about an activity that was in progress Past simple 7 Present perfect continuous 12
Infinitives and participles 51
before another action or event happened.

THE PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

The past simple refers to PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
a specific completed event
in the past. The past perfect
continuous describes a
repeated action or continuing
activity that was taking place
before that completed event.

PAST SIMPLE

TWO YEARS BEFORE PAST NOW

SIX HOURS BEFORE PAST NOW

HOW TO FORM
The past perfect continuous is formed
using “had been” plus a present participle.

SUBJECT “HAD BEEN” VERB + “-ING” REST OF SENTENCE

“Had been” doesn't

change with the subject.

42
FURTHER EXAMPLES

THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS AND PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

The present perfect continuous is used

to talk about an action in progress or
repeated activity that was taking place
until the present moment.

TWO HOURS AGO NOW

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

The past perfect continuous is used to

talk about an ongoing action or repeated
activity that was taking place until
another specified moment in the past.

TWO HOURS BEFORE PAST NOW

43
 “Used to” and “would”
When talking about habits or states in the past, “used to” See also:
or “would” are often used. English often uses these forms Present simple 1 Past simple 4
Past continuous 10 Adverbs of frequency 102
to contrast the past with the present.

“USED TO”
“Used to” can be
Refers to a past habit.
used with the
base form of a
verb to talk about
past habits.

PAST NOW

Refers to a past state.

“Used to” can also
be used to talk
about fixed states
at some indefinite
time in the past.

PAST NOW

FURTHER EXAMPLES “Used” becomes “use” in

questions and negative forms.

44
 COMMON MISTAKES “USED TO” AND THE PAST CONTINUOUS

When talking about habits

in the past, “used to”
should be used. It is
incorrect to use the past
continuous in this context. The past continuous shouldn’t be
used to talk about past habits.

ANOTHER WAY TO SAY “USED TO” WITH HABITS

“Used to” can be replaced by “would” in writing and formal speech, but
only to talk about past habits. These statements often include a reference
to time to describe when, or how often something happened.
Refers to a past habit.

6 YEARS AGO 5 YEARS AGO 4 YEARS AGO NOW

FURTHER EXAMPLES

COMMON MISTAKES “WOULD” WITH STATES

“Would” cannot be
used to talk about states
in the past. “Used to”
must be used instead.

“Would” cannot be used in this

way with state verbs.

45
 Past tenses overview
PAST TENSES
The past simple refers to a single, The present perfect simple refers to an unfinished action
completed action in the past. or series of actions that started in the past, or past actions
that still have a consequence in the present moment.

This is a completed action Eve is still in London, so it is still

in the past that is now over. relevant to the present moment.

The past continuous refers to a continuing The present perfect continuous refers to a continuing
action in the past. activity in the past that still has a consequence in the
present moment.

At that moment, he was in the This is a consequence

process of washing his car. in the present moment.

PAST SIMPLE AND PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

The past simple is used to refer to single, The present perfect simple is used to
completed actions or events in the past. refer to actions or events in the past that
These no longer have a consequence in are unfinished, or still have consequences
the present moment. in the present moment.

The essay is finished, so The essay is unfinished, so the

the past simple is used. present perfect simple is used.

This is no longer relevant to the present The keys are still lost in the present moment,
moment, because the keys were found. so the present perfect simple is used.

46
There are eight di erent ways to talk about the past See also:
in English. The di erences between the past simple Past simple 7 Present perfect simple 11
Infinitives and participles 51
and the present perfect simple are particularly important.

The past perfect simple refers to an action or event that “Used to” and “Would” are used to talk about
took place before another action or event in the past. repeated actions in the past that no longer happen.

The past perfect continuous refers to a continuing “Used to” can also be used to refer to a fixed state at
action or event that was taking place before another some indefinite time in the past that is no longer true.
action or event that happened in the past.

“Live” is a state, so
“would” can’t be used.

KEY LANGUAGE NARRATIVE TENSES

Narrative tenses are types of past tense that are used when telling a story.
The past continuous is used to set the scene. The past simple describes actions in the story.
The past perfect is used to talk about things that happened before the beginning of the story.

PAST CONTINUOUS

PAST PERFECT PAST SIMPLE

47
 The future with “going to”
Future forms in English are formed using auxiliary verbs. See also:
One of the most commonly used constructions is The future with “will” 18
Future continuous 20 Future in the past 22
“going to” plus the base form of the main verb.

HOW TO FORM THE FUTURE WITH “GOING TO”

SUBJECT “BE” “GOING TO” BASE FORM OF VERB REST OF SENTENCE

“GOING TO” FOR FUTURE PLANS

“Going to” is used to talk about future events
that have been planned in advance, rather
than decided upon at the time of speaking.
Base form of verb.

“Be” matches the “Going to” doesn’t

subject of the sentence. change with the subject.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

“Not” is added after the verb

“be” to make the negative.

48
 “GOING TO” FOR PREDICTIONS
“Going to” is also used to make predictions
“Going to” gives
when there is evidence in the present moment. the prediction.

Evidence in the present moment means

that you can make a prediction.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

QUESTIONS WITH “GOING TO”

Questions with
“going to” are formed
by swapping the
subject and “be.”

FURTHER EXAMPLES Question words can be added

to the start of the question.

49
 The future with “will”
“Will” is used to form some future tenses in English. See also:
It can be used in several di erent ways, which are all The future with “going to” 17
Infinitive and participles 51
di erent from the future with “going to.”

HOW TO FORM THE FUTURE WITH “WILL”

SUBJECT “WILL” BASE FORM OF VERB REST OF SENTENCE

the new movie.

“Will” doesn’t change

with the subject.

THE FUTURE USING “WILL”

English uses “will” when talking about the future in four main ways: TIP
Remember to use the
future with “going to” for
To make a predictions based on current
prediction about evidence, and for decisions
what you think made before the time
will happen. of speaking.

This prediction is not

based on evidence.
Contraction

To o er to
do something
for someone.

To make a
promise.

This decision was not

planned in advance.

To describe a
decision you’ve
just made.

50
 “WILL” FOR PREDICTIONS
“Will” is used to talk about predictions about the future when
there is no firm evidence for that prediction.

There is no firm evidence that

the person will like the movie.

FURTHER EXAMPLES
“Probably" means something
is likely, but not definite.

“WILL” FOR QUICK DECISIONS

“Will” is used to describe quick decisions that
someone has made at the time of speaking. They
are often a solution to an unexpected problem. “Will” shows you have just
made the decision.

FURTHER EXAMPLES
“Will not” or “won’t” is the “So” is often used to join a
negative form of “will.” situation to a quick decision.

51
 “WILL” FOR MAKING OFFERS
“Will” is also
used to o er to
do something
for someone.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

“WILL” FOR MAKING PROMISES

"Will" can be used when
making a promise.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

52
 “THINK” WITH “WILL”
“Think” can be used with “will” to show that a
prediction is just an opinion, or a decision is not final.

“That” is used after “think,” This is an uncertain

but it can be left out. prediction.

This decision is still

being considered.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

“Think” is made negative, rather than “will.”

FUTURE WITH “SHALL”

“Shall” is used instead of “will” when asking for a decision, or making o ers or suggestions.
In these cases, it is only used with “I” or “we.” It is rarely used in US English.

“Shall” is being used “Shall” is being used

to make an o er. to make a suggestion.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

53
 The present for future events
The present simple and present continuous can be used See also:
to talk about future events that are already planned. They Present simple 1 Present continuous 4
Prepositions of time 107
are usually used with a future time word or time phrase.

THE PRESENT SIMPLE FOR FUTURE EVENTS

The present simple This refers to a point
can be used to talk Present simple. in the future.
about events that are
scheduled to take
place in the future.

NOW 10PM

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT PRESENT SIMPLE FUTURE TIME PHRASE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

54
 THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR FUTURE EVENTS
The present continuous
“At the moment” shows the Present continuous refers
can be used to talk action refers to the present. to Dave’s present activity.
about pre-arranged
future events. Time
markers usually show
whether the event is in
the present or future.
Time clause “tomorrow” shows Present continuous refers to a
the action refers to the future. future event that is planned.

NOW TOMORROW

HOW TO FORM

SUBJECT PRESENT CONTINUOUS FUTURE TIME PHRASE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

55
 The future continuous
The future continuous can be formed using “will” or See also:
“going to.” It describes an event or situation that will Present continuous 4 “Will” 18
Infinitives and participles 51
be in progress at some point in the future.

THE FUTURE CONTINUOUS WITH WILL

The future continuous describes an event that will be in progress at a given time in the future
which is often stated. The event will start before the stated time and may continue after it.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

NOW 10 YEARS’ TIME

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT “WILL BE” PRESENT PARTICIPLE OBJECT

FURTHER EXAMPLES

56
 THE FUTURE CONTINUOUS WITH “ANYWAY”
The future continuous can also be used to talk about events that
are going to happen as a matter of course or “anyway.”

FURTHER EXAMPLES

“Anyway” is implied here.

NEUTRAL QUESTIONS
The future continuous is also used to ask neutral questions:
questions asked for information, not to make a request.

NEUTRAL QUESTION REQUEST

Future simple.
Future continuous.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

57
 THE FUTURE CONTINUOUS TO TALK ABOUT THE PRESENT
You can also use the future continuous to speculate about
what is happening at the present moment.

FURTHER EXAMPLES

58
 THE FUTURE CONTINUOUS WITH “GOING TO”
The future continuous can sometimes be formed with “going to”
instead of “will,” but this is less common. It can be used in most future
continuous constructions except to speculate about the present.

HOW TO FORM

SUBJECT “BE” “GOING TO BE” PRESENT PARTICIPLE REST OF SENTENCE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

59
 The future perfect
The future perfect is used to talk about an event that will See also:
overlap with, or finish before, another event in the Infinitives and participles 51
Prepositions of time 107
future. It can be used in simple or continuous forms.

THE FUTURE PERFECT

The future perfect is used to describe an action
“By” has a similar
or event that will be finished before a certain future time. meaning to “before.”

NOW NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY

HOW TO FORM
SUBJECT “WILL HAVE” PAST PARTICIPLE OBJECT TIME PHRASE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

60
 THE FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
The future perfect continuous can be used to predict the length of an activity.
This tense looks back from the imagined finishing time in the future.

LAST JULY NOW JULY

FURTHER EXAMPLES
TIME PHRASE SUBJECT “WILL HAVE BEEN” PRESENT PARTICIPLE REST OF SENTENCE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

61
 The future in the past
There are a number of constructions in English that can See also:
be used to describe thoughts about the future that Past continuous 10
Infinitives and participles 51
someone had at some point in the past.

THE FUTURE IN THE PAST USING “WAS GOING TO”

The future in the past is used to
look back on an earlier prediction.
Where “going to” is used to talk
about the future from the present,
“was / were going to” is used to
talk about a past view of it.

EARLIER NOW

HOW TO FORM

SUBJECT “WAS / WERE” “GOING TO” BASE FORM REST OF SENTENCE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

62
 THE FUTURE IN THE PAST USING “WOULD”
Where “will” is used to talk
about a future event from the
present, “would” is used to talk
about a past view of it.

EARLIER NOW

FURTHER EXAMPLES

THE FUTURE IN THE PAST USING THE PAST CONTINUOUS

The past continuous is used to talk about an
arranged future event from a time in the past.

MONDAY MORNING MONDAY AFTERNOON NOW

FURTHER EXAMPLES

63
 Future overview
THE FUTURE
The present simple can be used to talk about The simple future is the most common form
events that are timetabled or scheduled to used to refer to an event in the future.
take place in the future.

The present continuous can The future continuous describes an event that will be
be used to talk about future in progress at a given time in the future. The event will
arrangements and plans. start before the stated time and may continue after it.

“GOING TO” AND “WILL”

English uses both “going to” and “will” to talk about the future. They can sometimes have a
very similar meaning, but there are certain situations where they mean di erent things.

“Will” is used to This is a prediction

make predictions without firm evidence.
that aren’t based on
present evidence.

“Going to” is used when

there is evidence in the
present moment to
support a prediction.

64
English uses di erent constructions to talk about the See also:
future. These are mostly formed with the auxiliary The future with “going to” 17
The future with “will” 18
verb “will” or a form of “be” with “going to.”

The future perfect is used to predict when The future in the past describes thoughts about the
an action or event will be finished. This tense future that someone had at some point in the past.
looks back from an imagined time in the future. There are three ways to form this construction.

“Am going to” becomes

“was going to.”
“Will” becomes
“would.”

The future perfect continuous is used to predict

the eventual duration of an activity. This tense
looks back from the endpoint of the action.

“Am starting ” becomes

“was starting.”

This decision was not

planned in advance.
“Will” is used when
a decision is made
at the time of speaking.

This decision has already been planned.

“Going to” is used

when talking about
a decision that has
already been made.

65