Los FUTUROS en INGLÉS | Will - Be Going to - P. Continuo - P. Simple | Gramática

Understanding Future Tenses in English

Key Structures for Expressing the Future

• The video discusses three essential structures to express future actions in English, emphasizing their creation and differences. For example, "I will buy a computer next week" can be expressed as "I'm going to buy a computer next week."

Present Continuous for Planned Actions

• The present continuous structure (verb "to be" + verb-ing) is used for actions that have already been decided upon. For instance, saying "I'm playing tennis tomorrow" indicates a planned action rather than an immediate one. This highlights the context of when the action occurs.

• This structure is appropriate when you have set a specific time for an action, such as "I’m having dinner with my family tonight," indicating prior arrangements. It contrasts with spontaneous decisions made at the moment.

Simple Present for Scheduled Events

• When discussing events fixed by external schedules (like train or movie times), the simple present tense is used instead of future forms. For example, "The train arrives at 10 PM tonight" uses simple present because it refers to a timetable rather than personal plans.

• Examples include:

• "The concert finishes at midnight."

• "What time does the plane arrive?"

These sentences illustrate how scheduled events are communicated using simple present tense without involving personal decision-making.

Going To Structure for Intentions

• The “going to” structure (verb + going to + base verb) expresses intentions or plans that have been thought about beforehand but do not require a specific time commitment. An example would be, “I’m going to clean my room.” This indicates intention without needing an exact schedule set with others.

• It's important to note that this structure is similar in function to the previous discussed structures but differs in that it doesn't necessitate pre-arranged timing with others; it's more about personal intent or decision-making processes already established in one's mind.

Understanding Future Tenses in English

The Concept of "Going to" for Certain Actions

• The phrase "going to" is used for actions that are expected to happen with a degree of certainty, such as predicting the melting of ice cream left in the sun.

• In practical scenarios, like arriving late to a meeting, one might say "I'm going to be late," indicating a planned future action based on current circumstances.

Introduction to "Will"

• The term "will" is commonly associated with future predictions and decisions made at the moment. It has multiple meanings beyond just future tense.

• The first use of "will" involves making predictions about uncertain events, emphasizing that these outcomes are not guaranteed until they occur.

Predictive Nature of "Will"

• When expressing beliefs about future events (e.g., passing an exam), using phrases like “I think” indicates uncertainty regarding the outcome.

• This uncertainty is often linked with both “think” and “will,” highlighting how we express our expectations about what may happen.

Instant Decisions with "Will"

• Another usage of "will" pertains to spontaneous decisions made at the moment, such as offering help when someone expresses confusion.

• It's important to differentiate between habitual actions ("I help you every morning") and immediate decisions ("I will help you now").

Practical Examples and Comparisons

• For instance, deciding on-the-fly to assist someone translates into saying “I will help you,” contrasting with habitual expressions.

• Situational responses (like closing a window when it’s cold inside) also illustrate instant decision-making using “will.”

Understanding Negatives and Pronunciation

• The negative form of “will” requires careful pronunciation; it's different from simply stating desires or intentions in Spanish.

Differentiating Future Forms: Will vs. Going To

• An example involving purchasing a computer illustrates how context determines which future tense is appropriate—“I’m going to buy a computer” implies planning without fixed timing versus an immediate decision expressed through “I will buy.”

Conclusion on Future Tenses

• Understanding these distinctions helps clarify communication about future actions, whether they are planned or decided spontaneously.