1. Future Simple

will + infinitive

We use the future simple:

1.1. to express a future fact: I'll be 10 next year.

1.2. to predict events in the future when predictions are based more on opinion rather than evidence: People will go to Mars on holidays soon.

1.3. to talk about decisions we make at the time of speaking: I'm tired. I'll go to bed.

1.4. for promises (as well as threats, warnings, hopes, fears): I'll help you./I won't leave you./I hope he won't lose the money./I'm afraid I'll be late.

1.5. for things we are uncertain about: Perhaps I'll go to the supermarket.

1.6. to make a suggestion or to ask for advice with the help of Shall I/we: Shall we invite Mrs Stone to our party?

We do not use the future simple after time words (when, before, after, as soon as, until, if, as, etc.): We'll have dinner as soon as dad comes home.

If when is a question word, we can use the future simple after it: When will dad come home?

2. Future Continuous

will + -ing form

We use the future continuous:

2.1. for an activity that will be going on at a certain time in the future: This time next Sunday I will be travelling to Spain.

2.2. for a future event that will happen because it is a routine or an arrangement: I'll be playing chess with my friends on Friday night (we always play chess on Friday nights).

2.3. to ask somebody politely about their plans: Will you be using your car tonight?

3. Future Perfect

will + past participle

We use the future perfect:

3.1. for an action that will be completed before a definite time in the future: I will have completed this project by next week.

4. There are other forms used to express the future:

4.1. to be going to + infinitive for plans and intentions made before the moment of speaking: I'm going to become a writer.

4.2. to be going to + infinitive for predictions when there's evidence to support our predictions: Look at the boy! He's going to fall off his bike.

4.3. present continuous for fixed plans, especially when we know the time and the date: I'm working the night shift next week.

4.4. present simple for timetables and programmes: The plane leaves at 9 p.m.