Unit 6

Will / won't (predictions)

EXAMPLES

A I'm seeing Jessica at 8.00. B She'll be late.
The film's in French. We won't understand anything.
It's a great book. I'm sure you'll likee it.
I don't think it'll raine tomorrow.

FORM

Contractions: 'll = will; won't = will not

We often use will / won't for future predictions, i.e. to say things we think, guess or know about the future.
We often use I think / I don't think / I'm sure with will.
I think he'll fail the exam.I don't think he'll pass. NOT I think he won't pass.

We use will / won't for all persons, e.g.
I'll be late. I won't be late.
Will you be late? Yes, I will. / No, I won't.

Will / won't / shall (other uses)

EXAMPLES

Decisions
I won't stay for dinner. I think I'll go home early.

Offers
I'll help you with your homework. Shall I open the window?

Promises
I'll always love you. I won't tell anybody.

FORM

We use will / won't + infinitive for making instant decisions, offers, and promises.
We don't use the present tense.
I'll help you with those bags. NOT I help you with those bags.
When an offer is a question, we use Shall I ...? or Shall we ...?
Shall I pay? Shall we do the washing-up?

Review of verb forms: past, present, future

Present simple

FORM:

I live in the city centre. She doesn’t smoke.

USE:

Things that always or usually happen

Present continuous

FORM:

He’s looking for a new job. I’m leaving tomorrow.

USE:

Things that are happening now or around now; things that we have arranged for the future

Past simple

FORM:

We saw a good film last night. We didn’t do anything yesterday.

USE:

Finished actions that happened once or more than once in the past

Past continuous

FORM:

He was working in Paris. What were you doing at 7.00?

USE:

Actions that were in progress at a past time

Be going to + infinitive

FORM:

I’m going to see Tom tonight. Look! It’s going to snow.

USE:

Future plans; predictions when we know / can see what’s going to happen

Will / won’t + infinitive

FORM:

You’ll love New York. I’ll phone her later. I’ll help you. I’ll pay you back tomorrow.

USE:

Predictions; instant decisions; offers; promises

Present perfect

FORM:

I’ve finished the book. Have you ever been to Iran?

USE:

Recently finished actions (we don’t say when); past experiences