In the previous quizzes we have studied past tenses and present tenses. In this High English quiz we look at the different future tense forms - simple, perfect and continuous.
When we talk about the past or the present we are able to describe actions that have happened or that have happened in the past and are continuing now and may continue into the future. It is easier to talk about the past as there is certainty about the events that have taken place. Events in the present are a continuation of the events that have happened in the past and there is some order of certainty about them as well. However, when it comes to talking about the future there is no certainty but only probabilities or possibilities, depending on what we may think is likely to happen or what we plan or intend to do in the future.
In describing events of the future we use the simple future tense or different forms of the tense, such as future perfect tense and future perfect continuous tense. The simple future tense uses words such as will/shall. More specifically, in describing an action the word will/shall is used between the subject and the first form of the verb. Take a look at these three examples:
‘I SHALL SEE the Salman Khan movie tomorrow.’
‘I shall be seeing the Salman Khan movie.’
‘I shall have seen the Salman Khan movie by tomorrow.’
The first of these sentences is in the simple future tense, the second is in the future continuous tense and the third is in the future perfect tense. Notice the different forms of the verb TO SEE. In all the cases the negative sentences can also be formed by using the word ‘not’ after ‘will/shall.’ Also, interrogative sentences are possible by placing the ‘will/shall’ before the subject.
We may note the differences in the time elements in respect of the different tense forms. In simple future tense we express an action/event likely to happen in the future. In future continuous tense we express an action/event likely to happen in the normal course or at some time in the future. In future perfect tense we express an action/event likely to happen by a certain time in the future. Take the quiz that follows and learn more about future tense forms.