GRAMMAR AND USAGE/VERB TENSE
The Future Tense
Looking Ahead
The future tense expresses actions or states of being that have yet to occur, but are expected to do so at some point in the future. There are three forms: (1) simple; (2) continuous; and (3) future perfect.
FUTURE TENSE SIMPLE
The proper form: The root form of the verb, preceded “will” or “shall”.
The choice between “will” and “shall”: “Will” is the more commonly used of these two helping verbs in future tense situations, especially when the sentence is expressing a simple intention. “Shall” is a grammatically proper alternative in two situations: (1) when the sentence is expressing an invitation; and (2) when you want to give more emphasis to the verb being helped.
We shall never surrender. (“Shall” gives added emphasis to “never surrender”.)
FUTURE TENSE PROGRESSIVE
When to use it: When the future action or condition being expressed will be ongoing.
The correct form: The root form of the verb, preceded by “will be” and ending in “ing”.
Starting tomorrow, we will be expecting everyone to be familiar with the new operating system.
FUTURE TENSE PERFECT
Time frame: Actions that are expected to be completed prior to the completion of future actions mentioned in the same sentence.
How to form it: Precede the past participle form of the verb with “will have”.