Present and Future Tenses in English
1. The Present Progressive (Present Continuous)
This form usually refers to a situation that began before the moment of speaking, continues at, around, and after the present moment, into the future, and is of limited duration:
I am writing these notes on the future. (At this moment).
2. BE + going to
BE + going to refers to a future situation for which there is present evidence. In the previous example, the present evidence is the black clouds.
3. The Present Simple
The present simple is frequently used for situations that often or regularly happen. It can therefore be used for a future situation that is part of a regular series of happenings:
The train for Berlin leaves at midnight tonight.
It is also used for something that is seen as part of a fixed timetable:
4. The Modal ‘Will’ + Bare Infinitive
The modal auxiliary verb will has a number of possible meanings. Four of the more common are:
- Certainty – John left an hour ago, so he will be home by now. (The speaker is certain that John is home)
- Habitual characteristic: Andrea will sit at her desk for hours without saying a word. (This is what she often does.)
- Volition (willingness): I’ll carry your bag for you. (The speaker is offering to carry the bag.)
- Fred will carry your bag for you. (The speaker is offering Fred’s services.)
- Instant decision: What will I do tomorrow? I know! I’ll go to the zoo. (The speaker decides to go to the zoo at the very moment of speaking – no plans had been made for this visit.)
5. The Modal ‘Will’ + Be + -ing Form
Progressive forms usually refer to a situation that began before a time point, continues through and after that time point, and into the future, and is of limited duration.
6. ‘Will’ + Have + Past Participle (Third Form)
When we refer to a future action completed before a later future time, or a future state continuing up to that later future time, we use will + have + a past participle (third form). This is sometimes known as the ‘future perfect’:
I will have lived here for just over thirteen years when I celebrate my 66th birthday next March.
7. ‘Will’ + Have + Been + -ing Form
When we refer to a future action begun before a later future time and continuing through that later future time, we use will + have + been + -ing form.
By the end of next week, Emma will have been seeing Luke for three months. (She has now, one week before ‘the end of next week’ been seeing him for a week less than three months.)
This form is sometimes known as the ‘future perfect continuous’.
Present Perfect
[has/have + past participle]
Use 1: Unspecified Time Before Now
Topic 1: Experience
The Present Perfect is not used to describe a specific event.
I have been to France.
Topic 2: Change Over Time
We often use the Present Perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of time.
You have grown since the last time I saw you.
Topic 3: Accomplishments
We often use the Present Perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and humanity. You cannot mention a specific time.
Our son has learned how to read.
Topic 4: An Uncompleted Action You Are Expecting
James has not finished his homework yet.
Topic 5: Multiple Actions at Different Times
I have had four quizzes and five tests so far this semester.
Time Expressions with Present Perfect
Sometimes, we want to limit the time we are looking in for an experience. We can do this with expressions such as: in the last week, in the last year, this week, this month, so far, up to now, etc.
Use 2: Duration From the Past Until Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)
I have had a cold for two weeks.