by Yogi P - September 30, 2023

Simple Future Tense – Definition, Structure, Rules, Uses and Examples

Did someone just ask you what you will do after graduating from college? You would definitely know that you should use the simple future tense to answer a question of this nature. Maybe this article on simple future tense can help you learn how to use the tense accurately. This article discusses the definition of the simple future tense, its structure, uses, and rules, along with examples and practice questions to help you understand well.

The Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense is employed in a sentence to represent an action or event that will take place in the future.

Definition of Simple Future Tense

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the simple future tense form of the verb in a sentence is defined as “the tense that is used to refer to events, actions, and conditions that are happening in the future.” It uses will/shall + First form of verb (the base form of the verb), as in ‘I will travel to France next month’ and ‘She will start a new job’.

Structure of the Simple Future Tense

The structure of the simple future tense can be understood by analyzing the positive, negative, interrogative, and negative interrogative forms of the tense.

Structure of Simple Future Tense

Rules and Points to Remember When Using the Simple Future Tense

In order to use the simple future tense accurately and effectively, remember that the sentence usually uses ‘will’ or ‘shall’ before the base form of the verb.

What Do You Use the Simple Future Tense For?

The future tense can be used for various purposes:

1. Used to express a spontaneous decision.
2. Used to express a prediction.
3. Used to express a future plan or arrangement.

Forming the Simple Future Tense – Examples

Here are a few examples:

Expressing a Spontaneous Decision:

1. I think I will go to the party tonight.
2. They will book the tickets now.

Expressing a Prediction:

1. It will rain tomorrow.
2. The meeting will end late.

Expressing a Future Plan or Arrangement:

1. We will meet at 6 PM tomorrow.
2. Sarah will travel to London next week.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Simple Future Tense

Q1. What is the definition of simple future tense?

The simple future tense form of the verb in a sentence refers to events, actions, and conditions that will happen in the future. It uses will/shall + the base form of the verb.

Q2. What is the formula of the simple future tense?

The basic formula of a positive sentence using the simple future tense is: Subject + will/shall + Base form of the verb + the rest of the sentence.

Q3. Give some examples of the simple future tense.

• I will have dinner at 8 PM.
• Will you join us for the meeting?
• They will not attend the conference.

Q4. What is the Simple Future Tense?

The simple future tense is used to describe actions or events that have not yet occurred but are expected or planned to happen in the future.

Q5. How is the Simple Future Tense formed?

The simple future tense is commonly formed using “will” or “shall” plus the base form of a verb. For example, “I will go to the store.”

Q6. Can “going to” be used to form the Simple Future Tense?

Yes, “going to” is also used to express the future, especially for planned future actions. For example, “I am going to study for my exam.”

Q7. What is the difference between “will” and “going to” in the Simple Future Tense?

Generally, “will” is used to express actions that we decide to do at the moment of speaking, while “going to” is used for actions that have already been planned before speaking.

Q8. Can “shall” be used in the Simple Future Tense?

Yes, “shall” can be used, especially with first-person pronouns “I” and “we,” mostly in formal or literary contexts. For example, “I shall return.”

Q9. When is the Simple Future Tense used?

The simple future tense is used to express predictions, offers, promises, decisions made at the moment of speaking, and actions that are scheduled or planned for the future.

10. Can Simple Future Tense be used for making predictions?

Yes, it can be used for making predictions. For example, “It will rain tomorrow.”

11. How do we form negative sentences in Simple Future Tense?

Negative sentences in the simple future tense can be formed by adding “not” after “will” or “shall.” For example, “I will not go to the party.”

 12. Can Simple Future Tense express a willingness or refusal to do something?

Yes, the simple future tense can express a willingness or refusal. For example, “I will help you with your homework.”

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Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the Simple Future Tense:

Q1. What is the simple future tense mainly used to describe?

a) Past actions
b) Present actions
c) Future actions
d) Ongoing actions

Answer: c) Future actions

Q2. Which auxiliary verb is commonly used to form the simple future tense?

a) Is/am/are
b) Will
c) Has/have
d) Were/was

Answer: b) Will

Q3. Which word can be used as an alternative to “will” in the simple future tense, especially in formal contexts?

a) Can
b) Should
c) Shall
d) Would

Answer: c) Shall

Q4. How is a negative sentence formed in the simple future tense?

a) By adding “not” before “will”
b) By adding “not” after “will”
c) By removing “will”
d) None of the above

Answer: b) By adding “not” after “will”

Q5. Which sentence is in the simple future tense?

a) They play football.
b) They will play football.
c) They played football.
d) They are playing football.

Answer: b) They will play football.

Q6. What does the sentence “She will not attend the party” express in the simple future tense?

a) Promise
b) Refusal
c) Offer
d) Doubt

Answer: b) Refusal

Q7. To form a question in the simple future tense, where should “will” or “shall” be placed in the sentence?

a) After the subject
b) Before the subject
c) At the end of the sentence
d) After the verb

Answer: b) Before the subject

Q8. In the sentence “He will write a letter,” what is the base form of the verb?

a) Writes
b) Wrote
c) Writing
d) Write

Answer: d) Write

Q9. Which of the following sentences expresses a promise in the simple future tense?

a) I will call you tomorrow.
b) I call you every day.
c) I have called you before.
d) I am calling you now.

Answer: a) I will call you tomorrow.

Q10. Which phrase is commonly used to express planned future actions?

a) Is going to
b) Will to
c) Would be
d) Shall be

Answer: a) Is going to

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Fill in the blanks

1. The simple future tense is used to describe actions or events that have not yet occurred but are ________ or planned to happen in the future.

2. The simple future tense is commonly formed using “_____” or “shall” plus the base form of a verb.

3. “Going to” is also used to express the future, especially for ________ future actions.

4. “Will” is used to express actions that we decide to do at the ________ of speaking.

5. “Shall” can be used, especially with first-person pronouns “I” and “we,” mostly in formal or ________ contexts.

6. The simple future tense is used to express predictions, offers, promises, decisions made at the moment of speaking, and actions that are ________ or planned for the future.

7. Negative sentences in the simple future tense can be formed by adding “not” after “_____” or “shall.”

8. The simple future tense can express a ________ or refusal to do something.

9. A question in the simple future tense can be framed by placing “will” or “shall” before the ________.

10. “I am going to ________ for my exam” is an example of a sentence in the simple future tense.

Answers: 1. expected, 2. will, 3. planned, 4. moment, 5. literary, 6. scheduled, 7. will, 8. willingness, 9. subject, 10. study