subject + will + base verbUse will before the base verb. Do not add to and do not change the main verb form.
Will Future
A2Use will + base verb for predictions, quick decisions, offers, and promises. Make negatives with won't and questions with Will + subject.
What you'll learn
- Build future statements with will + base verb.
- Make negatives with will not and won't.
- Ask yes/no questions with Will + subject + base verb.
- Choose will for predictions about the future.
- Choose will for decisions made right now.
- Recognize markers like tomorrow, soon, and probably.
Structure
subject + will not / won't + base verbUse will not or won't. The main verb stays in the base form.
Will + subject + base verb + ?Put Will first, then the subject, then the base verb.
Build a sentence
Subject
Verb
Iwillhelp
I will help you.
This can be a quick decision or an offer.
When to use
Predictions
What you think will happen in the future. I think Anna will get the job. It will probably rain tonight.
Decision now
A choice made while speaking. The phone is ringing — I'll answer it.
Offers and promises
Use will to help, promise, or show willingness. I'll carry that bag. I won't forget your birthday.
Markers
tomorrowsoonlatertonightnext weekprobablyI think
In contrast
vs going-to-future
Will often expresses a prediction, a quick decision, or a promise at the moment of speaking. Going to points more clearly to an existing plan or visible evidence.
Common mistakes
Wrong
Anna will to call you tonight.
Correct
Anna will call you tonight.
After will, use the base verb directly. Do not add to.
Wrong
Tom will goes later.
Correct
Tom will go later.
Will already marks the future, so the main verb stays in the base form.
Wrong
Do will they arrive soon?
Correct
Will they arrive soon?
Will makes the question by itself. Do is not used with will.
Wrong
You will call me?
Correct
Will you call me?
A yes/no question with will starts with Will, not with the subject.
Wrong
He will going to call later.
Correct
He will call later.
Choose one future pattern here. After will, use the base verb.
Common misconceptions
❝ Will is only for the distant future. ❞
Will also works for decisions made right now: I'll open the window. The time can be immediate or later, as long as it is future from now.
❝ Will always means a fixed plan. ❞
Will often shows a prediction, promise, or quick decision. A fixed plan is often expressed in another way, such as going to.
Skills in this rule (7)
WILL_PLUS_BASEw5Build future statements with will + base verb
Use will before the main verb to talk about future actions, facts, and predictions. The main verb stays in its base form after will.
NEGATIVE_WONTw5Make negatives with will not or won't + base verb
Use will not or won't to say something will not happen. Keep the main verb in its base form after won't.
QUESTION_WILL_SUBJECTw5Ask yes or no questions with Will + subject + base verb
Start the question with Will, then put the subject, then the base verb. Do not add do or does.
USE_FOR_PREDICTIONSw4Use will for predictions
Use will when you think something will happen in the future. It often appears with words like probably, I think, and maybe.
USE_FOR_SPONTANEOUS_DECISIONSw4Use will for decisions made at the moment of speaking
Use will when you decide now, while speaking. The choice is made in the moment, not planned earlier.
USE_FOR_OFFERS_AND_PROMISESw4Use will for offers, promises, and quick willingness
Use will to offer help, promise something, or show willingness. Common patterns are I'll help, I'll call, and I won't forget.
PICK_FUTURE_MARKERSw3Recognize markers that fit will future
Words and phrases like tomorrow, soon, later, probably, and I think often appear with will when the meaning is future.