The future simple tense, also known as the simple future tense, is used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. It is typically formed by using the auxiliary verb “will” or “shall” followed by the base form of the main verb.
In the context of the future simple tense, the helping verbs “will” and “shall” play an important role. They are used to form the future tense and indicate that the action or event will happen at a later time.
(1) “Will”:
The auxiliary verb “will” is the most commonly used helping verb to form the future simple tense. It is used with the base form of the main verb to express future actions, predictions, intentions, or promises. Here are a few examples:
Examples:
- I will study for the exam tomorrow.
- She will visit her grandparents next week.
- They will arrive at the airport in an hour.
(2) “Shall”:
While “will” is more commonly used, “shall” can also be used as a helping verb in the future simple tense. It is used with the pronouns “I” and “we” to express offers, suggestions, or obligations. However, in modern English, “shall” is often replaced with “will” in everyday conversation. Here are a couple of examples using “shall”:
Examples:
- Shall we go to the movies tonight?
- I shall submit the report by the end of the day.
It’s worth noting that both “will” and “shall” do not change their form regardless of the subject of the sentence. They remain the same regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.
In summary, the helping verbs “will” and “shall” are used in the future simple tense to indicate that an action or event will happen in the future. “Will” is more commonly used and can be used with any subject, while “shall” is less common and used primarily with “I” and “we” for suggestions, offers, or obligations.
Note: The helping verb “will” can be used with all subjects in the future simple tense. Whether the subject is in the first person (I, we), second person (you), or third person (he, she, it, they), “will” remains the same. Here are some examples:
Examples:
- I will go to the store later.
- You will receive a gift.
- He will finish his work soon.
- She will take a vacation.
- It will rain tomorrow.
- We will attend the meeting.
- They will visit their relatives.
Regardless of the subject, “will” is used consistently to indicate future actions, events, or states. It does not change its form based on the subject of the sentence.