F r e q u e n c y E n g l i s h

Future with Present Continuous or Will

A fortune teller with her hands on a crystal ball, while a young man waits to hear about his future

What's the plan?

Present continuous or will + infinitive

Grammar lesson

How to use this page: read the rule, then choose the correct form for each sentence. A tick or a cross appears as soon as you choose.

The rule Two ways to talk about the future.

UseForExample
Present continuousFixed plans and arrangements, often with a time or placeI'm meeting Sam at six.
will + infinitiveDecisions, offers and promises made nowI'll call you later.
will + infinitivePredictions and opinions: “I think…”, “maybe”, “perhaps”, “I'm sure…”Maybe she will help you.
will + infinitiveThe result after “if” + present simpleIf it rains, I will stay home.

Practice time!

Present continuous or will? Choose the correct form of the verb in brackets.

  1. I (visit) my grandparents this weekend.
  2. Maybe I (call) you later if I have time.
  3. We (go) to the cinema tonight.
  4. Perhaps she (help) you with your homework tonight.
  5. They (leave) for Paris early in the morning.
  6. I think he (join) us for dinner later.
  7. The kids (play) soccer in the park this afternoon.
  8. Maybe we (see) him at the party tonight.
  9. If it rains tomorrow, I (stay) home and watch TV.
  10. Perhaps they (come) to the wedding next month.
  11. He (fly) to New York next Friday.
  12. I think I (try) the new Italian restaurant this weekend.
  13. My friends (meet) me at the café later today.
  14. We (organize) a surprise birthday party.
  15. If we leave now, we (get) there before 7.00 p.m.
  16. I (help) him to clean his garage on Saturday.
  17. I think she (buy) a new phone very soon.
  18. I (tell) you everything when I get there.
  19. They (celebrate) next Saturday.
  20. I am going to Peru next week. Maybe I (send) you a postcard.
  21. She (start) her new job on Monday.
  22. I am sure she (like) her present.
  23. I don't know yet. I (let) you know tomorrow.
  24. If I see him at the party, I (tell) him to phone you.
  25. I'm not sure. Maybe I , maybe I won't.

Answers

1. am visiting · 2. will call · 3. are going · 4. will help · 5. are leaving · 6. will join · 7. are playing · 8. will see · 9. will stay · 10. will come · 11. is flying · 12. will try · 13. are meeting · 14. are organizing · 15. will get · 16. am helping · 17. will buy · 18. will tell · 19. are celebrating · 20. will send · 21. is starting · 22. will like · 23. will let · 24. will tell · 25. will