THE FUTURE… IS RELATIVE

Aims:

1.to learn and practice different ways to express future meaning

IN ENGLISH, WE DON’T HAVE ONE FUTURE TENSE. WE USE SEVERAL FORMS TO TALK ABOUT DIFFERENT IDEAS ABOUT FUTURE.

1. We use WILL + VERB to: Express a sudden decision made at the

moment of speaking. OK, I’ll help you. Express an intention (namera) or a promise. I’ll bring the book back tonight. Express a prediction based on opinions or

beliefs. (This is subjective) I think she will win the competition. We make a request (molba) or an offer. Will you hold this bag for me?

2. We use BE GOING TO + VERB to: Express an intention. I’m going to study chemistry. Express a prediction based on something we

can observe now. Look at those dark clouds. It’s going to rain.3. We use Present Continuous to talk about

future events we have arranged. I’m going out with Mark tonight.4. We use Present Simple to talk about future

events we cannot change. My train leaves in two hours.

MAY / MIGHT + VERB

We use may / might + verb to express an uncertain prediction.

They may not be very happy about our visit.

MAKE SUDDEN DECISIONS FOR THESE SITUATIONS

1. It’s your mum’s birthday today and you have forgotten to buy her a present.

2. You’ve got a lot of homework to do tonight, but your friends want you to go out with them.

3. You’ve got a boyfriend/girlfriend but a very attractive boy/girl wants to go out with you.

4. You want to buy some orange trousers but your boyfriend/girlfriend doesn’t like them.

5. You want to do more sport, but you haven’t got enough money to go to the gym.

6. You borrowed your father’s car last night and didn’t tell him. You broke one of the lights.

7. Your host family has cooked you something that you don’t like.