Talking about the future
Will, going to, present continuous and future perfect — for plans, predictions and hopes.
Why it matters
Speaking Part 1 and 3 regularly ask about plans and predictions ('What will cities look like in 50 years?'). Using several future forms naturally shows grammatical range, and range is what separates Band 6 from Band 7.
The rules
Going to for plans already decided and predictions based on evidence.
I'm going to study medicine. Those clouds — it's going to rain.
Present continuous for fixed arrangements.
I'm meeting my tutor on Friday.
Will for predictions, opinions and decisions made now.
I think robots will replace many drivers.
Future perfect for actions completed before a future time.
By 2030, most cars will have become electric.
Model sentences
- In the long run, I suspect remote work will become the norm for office jobs.
- I'm hoping to do a master's degree once I've saved enough money.
- By the time I'm forty, I'll probably have lived in three different countries.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: I will to travel next year.
Correct: I'm going to travel next year.
No 'to' after will; 'going to' suits a plan.
Incorrect: When I will finish my degree, I will look for a job.
Correct: When I finish my degree, I'll look for a job.
Use present tense after when, if, once, as soon as.
Incorrect: In future, people use more technology.
Correct: In future, people will probably use more technology.
Predictions need a future form.
Band tip
Check yourself
As soon as I ___ (get) my results, I ___ (apply) to universities.
get … will apply / am going to apply
By next June, I ___ (finish) my course.
will have finished
I can't come on Saturday — I ___ (fly) to Accra.
am flying