Will

We normally use WILL to speak about the future. It is always combined with another verb.

Since WILL is classified as a modal verb (like can, would, could, should) it has the same characteristics:

1. It does not change in the third person (i.e. he, she, it)
2. It is always combined with another verb in the base form (i.e. without 'to')
3. We don't use it with 'Do' in questions or negatives.

Examples of Will:

• I will go to the cinema tonight.
• He will play tennis tomorrow.
• She will be happy with her exam results.
• They will take the bus to the South next week.

 

When to use WILL

We use WILL in the following circumstances:

1. For things that we decide to do now. (Rapid Decisions)

This is when you make a decision at that moment, in a spontaneous way.

• I'll call a taxi for you.
• I think we'll go right now. (I just decided this right now)
• Which one? Um, I will have the chicken sandwich please.

2. When we think or believe something about the future. (Prediction)

This can be based on personal judgement or opinion.

• The President will not be re-elected at the next election.
• I think it will rain later so take an umbrella with you.
• I think you will find the movie interesting.

Notice how you often use "I think..." before the subject + will.

3. To make an offer, a promise or a threat.

• You look tired. I'll finish the dishes for you.
• I will do my best to help you.
• If you say anything I will kill you!
• I will have it ready by tomorrow.
• I'll drive you to work if you want.
• Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. (won't = will not)

4. For a habit that is a predictable behaviour

• My daughter will fall asleep as soon as she is put into bed.
• He will give up if he starts losing. He always does that.

5. You use WON'T when someone refuses to do something.

• I told him to clean his room but he won't do it.
• She won't listen to anything I say.

Negative Sentences with WILL

In the negative, we add NOT to the end of WILL and not to the main verb. (= will not)

Examples:

• I will not be in the office tomorrow. (correct)
  I will be not in the office tomorrow. (Incorrect)
• They will not stay here. (correct)
  They will stay not here. (Incorrect)

Contractions

It is possible to use contractions in both positive and negative sentences.

With positive contractions WILL becomes 'LL and is joined to the subject:

	Positive Contraction		Negative Contraction
I will	I'll	I will not	I won't
You will	you'll	You will not	you won't
He will	he'll	He will not	he won't
She will	she'll	She will not	she won't
It will	it'll	It will not	it won't
We will	we'll	We will not	we won't
You will	you'll	You will not	you won't
They will	they'll	They will not	they won't

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