Beyond “Will Do”: Expanding Your English Future Tense

Mastering the English future tense is crucial for effective communication, but relying solely on “will do” can make your speech sound repetitive and limited. This article explores a variety of alternative expressions to convey future actions, plans, and intentions, enriching your vocabulary and enhancing your fluency.

Whether you’re an ESL student, a professional seeking to refine your language skills, or simply a grammar enthusiast, this guide provides a comprehensive overview with detailed explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help you confidently express yourself in the future tense.

By understanding and using these alternatives, you’ll be able to add nuance and precision to your communication, making your English sound more natural and sophisticated. Let’s embark on this journey to expand your repertoire of future tense expressions!

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Defining Alternatives to “Will Do”
  • Classification
  • Function
  • Contexts
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of Alternatives
  • “Going to”
  • Present Continuous for Future Arrangements
  • Simple Present for Scheduled Events
  • “Shall”
  • “Be About To”
  • “Be Due To”
  • “Be Likely To”
  • “Be Certain To”
  • Future Perfect
  • Future Continuous
• Examples
  • “Going To” Examples
  • Present Continuous Examples
  • Simple Present Examples
  • “Shall” Examples
  • “Be About To” Examples
  • “Be Due To” Examples
  • “Be Likely To” Examples
  • “Be Certain To” Examples
  • Future Perfect Examples
  • Future Continuous Examples
  • Modal Verbs Examples
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Defining Alternatives to “Will Do”

The phrase “will do” is a simple and direct way to express future action or agreement. However, English offers a rich variety of other ways to express future events, plans, and intentions, each with its own subtle nuances and implications.

These alternatives allow speakers and writers to convey different degrees of certainty, formality, and immediacy. Understanding these alternatives is essential for mastering the English language and communicating effectively in diverse situations.

Classification

Alternatives to “will do” can be classified based on their grammatical structure and the specific nuance they convey. These classifications include:

• Auxiliary Verbs: These include “going to,” “shall,” and various modal verbs (e.g., “might,” “may,” “could”).
• Verb Tenses: These include the present continuous (for planned events), simple present (for scheduled events), future continuous, and future perfect.
• Phrasal Verbs: These include “be about to,” “be due to,” “be likely to,” and “be certain to.”

Function

The primary function of these alternatives is to express future events or states. However, they also serve secondary functions, such as:

• Expressing Intentions: “Going to” often indicates a pre-existing intention or plan.
• Expressing Arrangements: The present continuous emphasizes that a future event has been arranged.
• Expressing Schedules: The simple present is used for events that are part of a fixed schedule.
• Expressing Probability: “Be likely to” and modal verbs like “might” and “may” express varying degrees of probability.
• Expressing Immediacy: “Be about to” indicates that something will happen very soon.
• Expressing Obligation: “Be due to” often implies a sense of obligation or expectation.

Contexts

The appropriate alternative to “will do” depends heavily on the context of the communication. Consider the following scenarios:

• Formal Writing: In academic or professional writing, alternatives like “be likely to,” “be expected to,” and the future perfect are often preferred for their precision and formality.
• Informal Conversation: In casual conversation, “going to” and the present continuous are common and natural.
• Business Communication: In business settings, clarity and directness are essential. Alternatives like “will” (when appropriate), “are scheduled to,” and “are expected to” are frequently used.
• Narrative Writing: In storytelling, a wider range of options can be used to create vivid descriptions and convey different perspectives. The future continuous and future perfect are particularly useful for setting the scene and providing background information.

Structural Breakdown

Understanding the grammatical structure of each alternative is crucial for using it correctly. Here’s a breakdown of the common structures:

• “Going to”: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of the verb. Example: I am going to study.
• Present Continuous: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing. Example: They are arriving tomorrow.
• Simple Present: Subject + base form of the verb (or -s/-es for third-person singular). Example: The train leaves at 6:00 AM.
• “Shall”: Shall + Subject + base form of the verb (primarily used in questions with I and we). Example: Shall we dance?
• “Be About To”: Subject + am/is/are + about to + base form of the verb. Example: She is about to leave.
• “Be Due To”: Subject + am/is/are + due to + base form of the verb. Example: The report is due to be submitted next week.
• “Be Likely To”: Subject + am/is/are + likely to + base form of the verb. Example: It is likely to rain.
• “Be Certain To”: Subject + am/is/are + certain to + base form of the verb. Example: He is certain to win.
• Future Perfect: Subject + will have + past participle. Example: They will have finished the project by Friday.
• Future Continuous: Subject + will be + verb + -ing. Example: I will be working at 9:00 AM tomorrow.

Types and Categories of Alternatives

Here’s a more detailed look at each type of alternative, with explanations and examples:

“Going to”

“Going to” is used to express intentions, plans, or predictions based on present evidence. It suggests a degree of certainty and is often used in informal contexts.

Present Continuous for Future Arrangements

The present continuous tense (am/is/are + verb-ing) is used to talk about fixed plans or arrangements in the near future. This implies that preparations have already been made.

Simple Present for Scheduled Events

The simple present tense is used to refer to future events that are scheduled or occur according to a timetable. These are often public transportation schedules, movie times, or other fixed events.

“Shall”

While “will” is generally used for future tense, “shall” is sometimes used (primarily in British English) for offers or suggestions, especially in questions with “I” or “we.” It can also express determination in formal contexts.

“Be About To”

“Be about to” indicates that something is going to happen very soon, almost immediately. It suggests a high degree of immediacy.

“Be Due To”

“Be due to” is used to indicate that something is expected to happen at a specific time or as part of a schedule. It often implies a sense of obligation or expectation.

“Be Likely To”

“Be likely to” expresses a high probability that something will happen. It suggests that there is a good chance of the event occurring.

“Be Certain To”

“Be certain to” indicates that something is guaranteed to happen. It expresses absolute certainty about a future event.

Future Perfect

The future perfect tense (will have + past participle) is used to describe an action that will be completed before a specific time in the future. It emphasizes the completion of the action.

Future Continuous

The future continuous tense (will be + verb-ing) describes an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. It emphasizes the duration of the action.

Examples

The following tables provide extensive examples of each alternative, illustrating their various uses and nuances.

“Going To” Examples

This table illustrates how “going to” is used to express intentions, plans, and predictions based on current evidence.

Sentence	Explanation
I am going to travel to Japan next year.	Expresses a plan or intention to travel.
She is going to start a new job next month.	Indicates a future job change that has been planned.
They are going to buy a new house soon.	Shows an intention to purchase a house in the near future.
It is going to rain this afternoon.	A prediction based on current weather conditions.
He is going to be a great doctor.	Expresses a prediction based on his current abilities.
We are going to have dinner at a fancy restaurant tonight.	Indicates a planned dinner outing.
You are going to love this movie!	A prediction based on the speaker’s opinion.
The team is going to win the championship this year.	A prediction based on the team’s performance.
I am not going to give up on my dreams.	Expresses a strong intention to pursue one’s goals.
She is not going to attend the party.	Indicates a decision not to go to the party.
Are you going to finish your homework tonight?	A question about a planned activity.
Is he going to call me back?	A question about a possible future action.
What are you going to do this weekend?	Inquires about weekend plans.
Where are they going to stay during their vacation?	Asks about accommodation plans.
I am going to learn Spanish next year.	Expresses a planned language learning endeavor.
She is going to volunteer at the local shelter.	Indicates a planned volunteer activity.
They are going to celebrate their anniversary in Paris.	Shows a planned anniversary celebration.
It’s going to be a long day.	A prediction based on the current circumstances.
He is going to propose to her.	Implies a strong intention to propose.
We are going to paint the house next weekend.	Indicates a planned home improvement project.
You are going to need a jacket.	A prediction based on the weather.
The company is going to launch a new product.	Shows a planned product launch.
I am not going to tolerate such behavior.	Expresses a strong unwillingness to accept something.
She is not going to forgive him easily.	Indicates a difficulty in forgiving someone.
Are you going to help me with this project?	A request for assistance.
Is he going to accept the offer?	A question about a potential decision.
What are you going to wear to the wedding?	Inquires about attire plans.
Where are they going to meet us?	Asks about a meeting location.

Present Continuous Examples

This table focuses on the use of the present continuous tense to express future arrangements that have already been made.

Sentence	Explanation
I am meeting John for lunch tomorrow.	Indicates a fixed lunch appointment.
She is flying to New York next week.	Expresses a planned trip with confirmed arrangements.
They are getting married in June.	Indicates a wedding with a set date.
We are having a party on Saturday.	Expresses a planned party with arrangements in place.
He is starting his new job on Monday.	Indicates a confirmed start date for a new job.
The band is playing at the concert hall tonight.	Expresses a scheduled performance.
I am seeing the doctor next Tuesday.	Indicates a confirmed doctor’s appointment.
She is moving to a new apartment next month.	Expresses a planned move with arrangements made.
They are visiting their grandparents this weekend.	Indicates a planned visit.
We are attending a conference next week.	Expresses a planned conference attendance.
I am not working tomorrow.	Indicates a planned day off.
She is not going to the gym tonight.	Expresses a change of plans.
Are you coming to the meeting?	Inquires about attendance at a planned meeting.
Is he performing in the show?	Asks about participation in a scheduled performance.
What are you doing this evening?	Inquires about planned activities for the evening.
Where are they staying during the trip?	Asks about accommodation arrangements.
I am performing on stage this Friday.	Indicates a confirmed performance schedule.
She is teaching a class tomorrow morning.	Expresses a scheduled teaching session.
They are hosting a dinner party next Saturday.	Indicates a planned dinner party event.
We are celebrating our anniversary next month.	Expresses a planned anniversary celebration.
I am not participating in the competition.	Indicates a decision not to participate.
She is not attending the seminar.	Expresses a decision not to attend.
Are you speaking at the conference?	Inquires about participation as a speaker.
Is he running in the marathon?	Asks about participation in a planned marathon.
What time are you leaving tomorrow?	Inquires about departure time.
Where are they meeting for the discussion?	Asks about meeting location details.

Simple Present Examples

This table provides examples of the simple present tense used to refer to future events that are scheduled or occur according to a timetable.

Sentence	Explanation
The train leaves at 6:00 AM.	Refers to a scheduled departure time.
The movie starts at 7:30 PM.	Indicates a scheduled start time for a film.
The plane arrives at 10:00 AM.	Refers to a scheduled arrival time.
School starts on September 5th.	Indicates a scheduled start date for the academic year.
The meeting begins at 2:00 PM.	Refers to a scheduled meeting time.
The concert starts at 8:00 PM.	Indicates a scheduled concert time.
The bus departs in five minutes.	Refers to an imminent departure.
My birthday falls on a Monday this year.	Indicates the day of the week for a specific date.
The store opens at 9:00 AM tomorrow.	Refers to a scheduled opening time.
The exhibition closes on Sunday.	Indicates a scheduled closing date.
The flight doesn’t leave until 3:00 PM.	Indicates a later departure time.
The show doesn’t start until after dinner.	Indicates a later start time.
Does the bank open on Saturdays?	Inquires about the bank’s opening schedule.
Does the class begin on time?	Asks about the punctuality of the class schedule.
What time does the library close?	Inquires about the library’s closing schedule.
When does the season start?	Asks about the start date of a sports season.
The conference begins next week.	Indicates a scheduled start date.
The semester ends in December.	Refers to a scheduled end date.
The play opens next Friday.	Indicates a scheduled opening night.
The museum closes early on Mondays.	Refers to a scheduled early closing time.
The train doesn’t arrive before noon.	Indicates a later arrival time.
The market doesn’t open until late.	Indicates a later opening time.
Does the post office close early today?	Inquires about a specific closing schedule.
Does the event start on time?	Asks about the schedule adherence.
What time does the concert end?	Inquires about the concert’s ending schedule.
When does the festival begin?	Asks about the festival’s start schedule.

“Shall” Examples

This table illustrates the use of “shall” for offers, suggestions, and formal expressions of determination.

Sentence	Explanation
Shall I open the window?	An offer to perform an action.
Shall we go for a walk?	A suggestion for an activity.
I shall overcome this challenge.	A formal expression of determination.
We shall meet again soon.	A formal promise or assurance.
Shall I help you with your bags?	An offer of assistance.
Shall we dance?	A polite invitation to dance.
I shall not fail my duties.	A formal vow to fulfill obligations.
We shall defend our rights.	A formal declaration of defending rights.
Shall I order some food?	An offer to arrange for food.
Shall we start the meeting?	A suggestion to commence the meeting.
I shall always remember this day.	A formal commitment to remember.
We shall never forget their sacrifice.	A solemn promise of remembrance.
Shall I make some tea?	An offer to prepare tea.
Shall we discuss the details?	A suggestion to review the specifics.
I shall complete this task.	A firm declaration of task completion.
We shall strive for excellence.	A pledge to aim for high standards.
Shall I call a taxi?	An offer to arrange transportation.
Shall we consider the alternatives?	A suggestion to think about other options.
I shall uphold the law.	A formal promise to abide by the law.
We shall preserve our heritage.	A commitment to protect cultural heritage.

“Be About To” Examples

This table demonstrates the use of “be about to” to indicate that something is going to happen very soon.

Sentence	Explanation
The movie is about to start.	Indicates the movie will start imminently.
She is about to leave for the airport.	Indicates she will depart for the airport very soon.
They are about to announce the winner.	Indicates the announcement is imminent.
I am about to fall asleep.	Indicates a state of near sleep.
He is about to give a speech.	Indicates the speech will start shortly.
The rain is about to begin.	Indicates the imminent start of rainfall.
The bomb is about to explode!	Indicates the explosion is only moments away.
The curtain is about to rise.	Indicates the play is starting very soon.
I am about to lose my patience.	Indicates an imminent loss of patience.
She is about to reveal the secret.	Indicates the secret will be revealed shortly.

“Be Due To” Examples

Sentence	Explanation
The report is due to be submitted next week.	Indicates a deadline for submission.
The baby is due to be born in March.	Indicates an expected birth date.
The train is due to arrive at 5:00 PM.	Indicates a scheduled arrival time.
The payment is due to be paid by the end of the month.	Indicates a payment deadline.
The project is due to be completed by Friday.	Indicates a project completion deadline.

“Be Likely To” Examples

Sentence	Explanation
It is likely to rain tomorrow.	Indicates a high probability of rain.
He is likely to get the job.	Indicates a high probability of him being hired.
They are likely to win the game.	Indicates a high probability of them winning.
She is likely to be late.	Indicates a high probability of her being tardy.
The stock market is likely to crash.	Indicates a high probability of a market crash.

“Be Certain To” Examples

Sentence	Explanation
He is certain to win the race.	Indicates a guaranteed victory.
She is certain to pass the exam.	Indicates a guaranteed passing result.
They are certain to succeed.	Indicates a guaranteed success.
It is certain to be a great event.	Indicates a guaranteed positive outcome.
He is certain to be there.	Indicates a guaranteed presence.

Future Perfect Examples

Sentence	Explanation
By next year, I will have finished my degree.	Indicates completion of the degree before next year.
By the time you arrive, she will have left.	Indicates her departure before your arrival.
They will have completed the project by Friday.	Indicates project completion by Friday.
We will have eaten dinner before the movie starts.	Indicates dinner will be finished before the movie.
He will have learned Spanish by the time he moves to Spain.	Indicates Spanish language proficiency before moving.

Future Continuous Examples

Sentence	Explanation
I will be working at 9:00 AM tomorrow.	Indicates an activity in progress at a specific future time.
She will be studying at the library tonight.	Indicates an activity in progress this evening.
They will be traveling in Europe next month.	Indicates an activity in progress during the next month.
We will be watching the game on TV.	Indicates an activity in progress, viewing the game.
He will be giving a presentation at the conference.	Indicates an activity in progress, delivering the presentation.

Modal Verbs Examples

Modal verbs like *may, might, could, should, must* also offer alternative ways to express future actions with varying degrees of certainty, obligation, or possibility.

Sentence	Explanation
It may rain tomorrow.	Expresses a possibility of rain.
She might go to the party.	Indicates a weaker possibility of attending.
He could arrive late.	Suggests a potential for late arrival.
You should study for the test.	Gives a recommendation or advice.
I must finish this report tonight.	Expresses a strong obligation.
They can help you with the project.	Indicates their ability to assist.
We would appreciate your feedback.	Politely expresses a desire.
It will be interesting to see what happens.	Expresses a degree of certainty.
She can play the piano at the concert.	Expresses her ability.
He might be interested in the offer.	Expresses uncertainty.

Usage Rules

Each alternative has specific usage rules that must be followed to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. Here are some key rules to remember:

• “Going to”: Use “going to” for intentions, plans, and predictions based on present evidence. Avoid using it for scheduled events.
• Present Continuous: Use the present continuous only for future arrangements that have already been made. Do not use it for general predictions or intentions.
• Simple Present: Use the simple present only for scheduled events, such as timetables and fixed schedules.
• “Shall”: In modern English, “shall” is primarily used for offers and suggestions with “I” and “we.” Avoid using it for simple future statements.
• “Be About To”: Use “be about to” only when something is going to happen very soon, almost immediately.
• “Be Due To”: Use “be due to” when something is expected to happen at a specific time or as part of a schedule.
• “Be Likely To”: Use “be likely to” to express a high probability that something will happen.
• “Be Certain To”: Use “be certain to” to indicate that something is guaranteed to happen.
• Future Perfect: Use the future perfect to describe an action that will be completed before a specific time in the future. Ensure the sentence includes a clear time reference.
• Future Continuous: Use the future continuous to describe an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. Ensure the sentence includes a clear time reference.

Common Mistakes

Learners often make common mistakes when using alternatives to “will do.” Here are some frequent errors and how to correct them:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I am going to the train leaves at 6:00 AM.	The train leaves at 6:00 AM.	“Going to” is not used for scheduled events. Use the simple present.
I will to go to the store.	I am going to go to the store.	“Will” should not be followed by “to” before the verb. Use “going to” instead.
I am meeting to John tomorrow.	I am meeting John tomorrow.	The preposition “to” is unnecessary after “meeting.”
She is about to leaving.	She is about to leave.	After “about to,” use the base form of the verb.
They are due arriving tomorrow.	They are due to arrive tomorrow.	“Due” needs “to” before the verb.
It likely will rain.	It is likely to rain.	Use the “be likely to” structure.
He is certain win.	He is certain to win.	Use the “be certain to” structure with “to.”
I will have finished to work by 5 PM.	I will have finished working by 5 PM.	Use the correct form of the verb after “finished.”
She will be to study all night.	She will be studying all night.	Use the -ing form of the verb with “will be.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct alternative to “will do.”

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, explore these more complex aspects of future tense alternatives:

• Subjunctive Mood: Understand how the subjunctive mood can be used to express hypothetical future events (e.g., “If I were to win the lottery…”).
• Conditional Sentences: Master the different types of conditional sentences and how they express future possibilities and consequences.
• Complex Tense Combinations: Learn how to combine different future tenses to express nuanced meanings and sequences of events.
• Formal vs. Informal Usage: Develop a keen awareness of the appropriate level of formality for different contexts.

FAQ

Conclusion

By mastering these alternatives to “will do,” you can significantly enhance your English communication skills. Each expression offers a unique nuance, allowing you to convey your thoughts and intentions with greater precision and clarity.

Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which you are speaking or writing. With dedication and effort, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more fluent and confident English speaker.