Simple future and near future details + exercises

The Future Simple and the Near Future

The Simple Future tense is a fundamental concept in English grammar. It is employed to express a decision or a “spontaneous” plan that arises immediately at the moment of speaking. The Simple Future tense is often accompanied by the verb “to think” or similar verbs before it.

For example:

“Ok. I will go with you tomorrow.” (Indicating a decision made on the spot: “Okay. I’ll accompany you tomorrow.”)

In contrast to the Simple Future tense, the Near Future tense is utilized to articulate a specific intention or plan that has been premeditated and is set to happen in the not-so-distant future.

For example:

“I am going to travel in Hanoi this weekend.” (Indicating a preplanned intention: “I have plans to travel to Hanoi city this weekend.”)

Furthermore, both the Near Future and the Simple Future can be used for making predictions about future events.

For example:

“I think it will rain later, so take a raincoat!” (Predicting future rain based on current conditions: “I believe there will be rain, so bring a raincoat.”)

“The sky is very black. It is going to rain.” (Observing current atmospheric conditions to predict imminent rain: “The dark clouds suggest that rain is imminent.”)

Comparing the Simple Future and the Near Future

The Simple Future and the Near Future are two frequently used tenses in English, often causing confusion due to their overlapping applications in various contexts. In this section, we will differentiate between these two tenses by examining their structures in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences.

What distinguishes the Simple Future from the Near Future?

In reality, very few learners of English pay attention to the distinction between the Near Future and the Simple Future tenses. Most of us tend to use the Simple Future tense for all future actions. Despite both tenses being employed to discuss events in the future, it’s crucial to understand when to use the Simple Future and when to opt for the Near Future. Let’s explore the differences in context and usage between these two tenses.

Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense is employed in the following situations when future plans or actions are not yet planned:

1. Expressing an On-the-Spot Decision: It is used to convey a quick decision made at the very moment of speaking.For example:
   • I’ll buy one for you too. (I’ll purchase one for you as well.)
   • I think I’ll try one of those. (I believe I’ll sample one of those.)
2. Making Groundless Predictions, Thoughts, or Beliefs about the Future: This tense is utilized to express a prediction, thought, or belief about the future that lacks concrete evidence.For example:
   • I’ll give you a discount if you buy it right now. (Offering a discount without solid reasoning)
   • I promise I will behave next time. (Promising better behavior without specific cause)
3. Offering, Promising, or Issuing a Threat: It is used to make an offer, a promise, or a threat regarding future actions.For example:
   • I’ll give you a discount if you buy it right now. (Offering a discount for immediate purchase)
   • I’ll take you to the movies if you’d like. (Offering to go to the movies together)
4. Using “Won’t” to Indicate Refusal: The word “won’t” is employed when someone refuses to do something in the future.For example:
   • My kids won’t listen to anything I say. (My children refuse to heed my words.)

Near Future Tense

The “be going to” structure is also used to indicate the future, but in this case, the actions or plans are already in place and are connected with the present. The near future tense is employed in the following scenarios:

1. When Actions or Plans Were Made in Advance: It is used when actions or plans were made in advance of the current speaking time.For example:
   • They have already bought a small beach house; they’re going to retire to the beach. (They have already purchased a beachfront property; they plan to retire by the beach.)
   • I’m going to accept the job offer. (I have decided to accept the job offer.)
2. When Expressing Predictions, Thoughts, or Beliefs about the Future Based on Indications or Evidence: It is used when expressing a prediction, thought, or belief about the future grounded in signs, evidence, or facts.For example:
   • I don’t feel well; I think I’m going to throw up. (I’m experiencing discomfort, and I believe I am going to vomit.)

How can you differentiate between the Future Simple and the Near Future?

After gaining an understanding of the concepts and contextual usage of these two tenses, it’s essential to pay special attention to the following distinctive indicators to swiftly distinguish between them: the Future Simple and the Near Future.

Identifying the Future Simple

There are several key indicators frequently associated with the Future Simple tense. One of the most common signs is the presence of future time adverbs, including:

• Tomorrow: Tomorrow
• Next day: The following day
• Next week/next month/next year: In the upcoming week/month/year
• Someday: At some point in the future
• Soon: In the near future
• As soon as: At the earliest opportunity

Additionally, sentences in the Future Simple tense often contain opinion verbs such as:

• Think: Think
• Believe: Believe
• Suppose: Suppose
• Perhaps, probably: Maybe…

These markers can help you recognize sentences that employ the Future Simple tense effectively

Identify the Near Future Tense

Similar to the Future Simple tense, the Near Future tense is recognized through the presence of future time adverbs, but with additional specific indicators:

• For how long: For how long
• Tomorrow: Tomorrow
• The next day: The following day
• Next week/next month/next year: In the upcoming week/month/year

Practice Exercises to Strengthen Your Understanding of the Simple Future and Near Future Tenses with Comprehensive Explanations

Now that you’ve learned how to differentiate between the Simple Future and the Near Future, let’s apply this knowledge by completing the exercises provided on goodhealthplan.com

Do the exercises on the simple future and the near future.

Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer:

“I haven’t got my bag.” “That’s OK… you mine.”

I’ll lend

It’s Lisa’s birthday next month, so… her some flowers.

we’ll buy

Will you lend me £15? I promise… it back to you tomorrow.

I’ll give

… a party tomorrow. It’s all planned, so I hope it won’t be stormy.

We’re going to have

“Lisa’s starting university tomorrow.” “What… study?”

is she going to

You… that movie. It’s very boring. Let’s choose another one.

won’t like

Look! The coach…! Run or we’ll miss it.

will leave

Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks with the correct answer:

Would you like milk or coffee? I will have coffee.

It’s 6 o’clock already. We are going to miss the bus.

Watch out! You are going to hurt yourself.

Lisa is always late. I’m sure he will be late tomorrow, too.

The friends are going to stay tonight. They are grounded.

I don’t think they will spend their holidays by the sea again.

If you don’t stop bullying him, I will tell the teacher.

Look! They are going to wash the car.

It’s starting to rain. I will put up the umbrella.

Exercise 3. Use the given words to complete the following sentences:

She doesn’t want to eat meat; I think she will consume vegetables.

You should bring an umbrella because the weather is going to rain.

My mother knows that my bike has broken, so she is going to fix it this afternoon.

Her friends will stay here until they finish their homework.

She will take care of herself well. Don’t worry!

The Simple Future and the Near Future are fundamental components of English grammar, included in the curriculum starting from elementary and middle school. The preceding article has offered comprehensive insights into the Simple Future and Near Future tenses along with fundamental exercises. In order to distinguish and utilize these two tenses fluently, it is crucial to establish a strong foundation in their usage, formulas, and remember the key indicators. We hope that the preceding article has provided you with valuable knowledge for learning and practical application in everyday communication.