Thinking about the future
Many people seem to think that English has a single future tense (will), but in fact there are a variety of ways to talk about the future. The choice of structure is not really about time, but instead reflects the attitude of the speaker.
Tomorrow is my tenth anniversary with the company.
(Present simple for a future fact)
“The line’s busy”. – “OK, I’ll call back later.”
(will for decisions taken at the time of speaking)
I’m going to ask my HR department for a transfer.
(going to when the decision has been taken before speaking)
I’m travelling to our Penang branch next week.
(present continuous for future arrangements)
In addition, predictions about the future can either use will or going to and they are often interchangeable. However, when we have some present evidence we should use going to. As in the following:-
Look at the share price. It’s going to be a good day for the brokers.
As well as varying tenses, we also can use different expressions to express our views of the future such as hoping to, aiming to, and intending to:-
I’m hoping to arrive by 6.00 (weak certainty)
I’m aiming to arrive by 6.00. (medium certainty
I’m intending to arrive by 6.00. (strong certainty)
The only difference here is the degree of certainty. If you plan to travel in K.L. traffic, it may be advisable to only use hoping to arrive when scheduling appointments!!
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