167 Present perfect … or past tense? Present perfect Past tense Action/Event happened at indefinite point or period in past – action or its consequences reach present – action/event is important and relevant for speaker Action/Event happened at a definite point or period in past – action complete and finished Talking about the future There are several ways to talk about the future in English. Very often there is little difference in meaning. will future be going to future You can use it … when you decide something spontaneously as you speak. I’ll phone him right away. for promises or offers. I’ll help you clear up after the party. for predictions or expectations – you are not sure about what will happen. Most people think Brazil will win the World Cup. for future plans and intentions. Jack’s going to fix my car for me. for predictions and interpretations based on facts – you are pretty sure about what is going to happen. Look at those dark clouds. It’s going to rain! Form I, you, he/she/it, we, they + will + verb I + am he/she/it + is + going to + verb you, we, they + are Questions and negation Questions: swap subject and auxiliary. Will you go to Otis’s party? – I’m not sure, will you? – Probably not. Negative sentences: insert not. I’m not sure about Otis’s party. I probably won’t go. Questions: swap subject and auxiliary. Are you going to come along to the cinema tomorrow? Negative sentences: insert not. I’m not going to stay at home this summer. I want to see the world. Present simple Present continuous You can use it for … planned, fixed events in the future (usually with a time expression). The plane leaves at 13.30. The swimming pool reopens at the weekend. plans or arrangements (usually with a time expression). Adam’s going back to the States next week. Form and Questions and negation – see p. 165 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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