Navigation

Present Forms for the Future

Present forms for the future refer to using present tense verbs to talk about future actions or events, and are used to express plans, predictions, or intentions about the future.

B1Tenses

What is the present form for the future?

Present forms for the future refer to using present tense verbs to talk about future actions or events.

  • The formation pattern is am/is/are going to + base form, which is used to express planned or predicted future actions.
  • Another pattern is present continuous, which is used to express future actions that are already planned or arranged.

When to use present forms for the future

  • We use present forms for the future to express plans or predictions that are based on evidence or schedules.
  • We use present forms for the future to express intentions or decisions that have been made about the future.
  • We use present forms for the future to express future actions that are already planned or arranged.

Example sentences

  • I am going to attend the meeting tomorrow.
  • She is going to give a presentation next week.
  • They are going to launch a new product next month.
  • I am attending a conference next year.
  • He is speaking at the event tomorrow.
  • The company is launching a new service next quarter.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: I go to the store tomorrow. Correct: I am going to the store tomorrow.
  • Wrong: She give a presentation next week. Correct: She is going to give a presentation next week.
  • Wrong: They launch a new product next month. Correct: They are going to launch a new product next month.

Memory trick

Remember that present forms for the future are used to express plans or predictions, so try to associate the verb forms with words like 'plan', 'predict', or 'schedule'.

Quick check
By next year I _____ my master's degree.

Where this matters in your exam

The use of present forms for the future is relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 2, where candidates need to express plans and predictions. It is also assessed in terms of grammatical accuracy and range.

  • Writing Task 2

    Use present forms for the future to express plans and predictions in the writing task.

  • Speaking Part 2

    Use present forms for the future to talk about future plans and intentions in the speaking task.