Lesson 7, Part 2 - The future with WILL and BE GOING TO - Verb Tenses in English

Summary

This educational video explains how to express future actions in English using different verb forms. It clarifies that English has only two tenses—present and past—and future events are expressed with modal verbs (like 'will' and 'be going to'), present progressive, or simple present for scheduled events. The video also distinguishes between tense and aspect, with a focus on progressive and perfect aspects. Practical examples are provided, such as using the present progressive for plans and the simple present for official schedules. The lesson helps learners confidently express the future in various contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Tense vs. Aspect**: English primarily has two tenses (present and past), while future expressions use modals and semi-modals like 'will' and 'be going to'. Aspect refers to the nature of the action, such as progressive (ongoing) and perfect (completed).
• 😀 **Future is Not a Distinct Tense**: Technically, there is no future tense in English. Instead, we use modal verbs ('will', 'be going to') and the present tense to express future actions or events.
• 😀 **Modals for Future Action**: The modals 'will' and 'be going to' are key to expressing the future. 'Will' is often used for predictions or decisions made at the moment, while 'be going to' is used for planned actions.
• 😀 **Present Progressive for Future Plans**: The present progressive (e.g., 'He is coming tomorrow') can be used to describe events or plans that are already arranged or decided.
• 😀 **Simple Present for Scheduled Events**: The simple present (e.g., 'The flight arrives at 10 AM') is used when referring to events on a fixed schedule, such as timetables or public transport.
• 😀 **Time Clauses with Present Tense**: In time clauses (e.g., 'After I play'), the verb must be in the present tense, even if it refers to a future action, while the main clause can use a future verb form.
• 😀 **Future Predictions Based on Evidence**: When making a prediction based on current evidence (e.g., 'The camera is going to fall'), 'be going to' is used to express future actions inferred from present circumstances.
• 😀 **Future Plans with Present Progressive**: The present progressive can express future intentions that have already been decided (e.g., 'Eric is going to play his new song tonight').
• 😀 **Use of Simple Present for Official Schedules**: The simple present is used when discussing events tied to official schedules, such as performances or public events (e.g., 'The concert starts at 8 PM').
• 😀 **Time Clause with Future Meaning**: In sentences with both a time clause and a future event, the time clause uses the present tense (e.g., 'As soon as I see him, I'll give him the news').

Q & A

What is the main difference between 'tense' and 'aspect' in English grammar?

Tense refers to the time of the action (present or past), while aspect refers to the nature of the action (whether it is ongoing, completed, or simple). In English, we mainly focus on two tenses—present and past—but we use different aspects (like progressive and perfect) to describe the action more precisely.

What does the progressive aspect indicate in English?

The progressive aspect indicates that an action is ongoing, unfinished, or temporary. It is formed using the verb 'to be' in the appropriate tense (e.g., 'I am working').

How does the perfect aspect work in English?

The perfect aspect shows a connection between two points in time: an action that started in the past and continues to affect the present or is completed. For example, 'I have finished my work' connects the past action of finishing with the present state.

Why is there technically no 'future tense' in English?

English doesn't have a specific future tense because we don't change the verb form to indicate the future. Instead, we use modal verbs (like 'will' and 'be going to') and present verb forms to express future meanings.

When do we use the present progressive to express future events?

The present progressive is used to describe future events that have already been planned or decided. For example, 'I am meeting her tomorrow' indicates a future event that is already planned.

What is the role of the simple present in expressing future events?

The simple present is used to talk about future events that are scheduled or fixed, such as public transportation or timetables. For example, 'The bus leaves at 5:00 PM' refers to a scheduled event.

What is the difference between 'will' and 'be going to' when talking about the future?

'Will' is used for predictions, offers, or decisions made at the moment of speaking, while 'be going to' is used for plans or intentions that have already been decided before speaking.

Can we use future verb forms in time clauses?

No, we do not use future verb forms in time clauses. Instead, we use present verb forms, even when talking about the future. For example, 'When I see him, I will give him the news.'

Why is the simple present used in the sentence 'The flight arrives tomorrow'?

The simple present is used because the flight's arrival is an event on an official schedule, which makes it appropriate to use the present tense to refer to a future event.

How can 'will' be used for polite invitations in the future?

'Will' is often used for polite invitations or offers. For example, 'Will you come to the party?' is a polite way of asking someone if they would like to attend the event.