Introduction

In English, we have different ways to talk about the future. In the previous unit, you learned how to use “going to” for plans and intentions. Now we will study another very common future form: “will.” At A1 level, “will” is essential because we use it for predictions, spontaneous decisions, offers, and promises.

We will also briefly look at “shall,” which is often used with “I” and “we” in questions, especially when making suggestions or offers. In this lesson, I will guide you through affirmative sentences, negative sentences, and questions so that you can use these forms confidently in everyday communication.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives
By the end of this unit, you will be able to use “will” correctly in affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms. You will understand how to use it for predictions, spontaneous decisions, offers, and promises. You will also recognize how “shall” is used in simple questions and suggestions.

1. When Do We Use “Will”?

We use “will” for predictions and spontaneous decisions.
Unlike “going to,” which is used for plans made before speaking, “will” is often used when we decide something at the moment of speaking.

For example: “I’m tired. I will go to bed.” The decision is made now.

We also use “will” for predictions. For example: “It will rain tomorrow.” This is something we believe about the future.

Another common use is for promises and offers. For example: “I will help you.” Or: “Don’t worry, I will call you later.”

2. Affirmative Form

The structure is very simple:

Subject + will + base verb.

The verb after “will” is always in the base form. For example: “They will play,” “He will study,” “I will eat.”

In spoken English, we usually use the contraction “’ll.” For example: “I’ll go,” “She’ll come,” “We’ll see.”

3. Negative Form

To form the negative, we add “not” after “will.”

Subject + will not + base verb.

For example: “I will not go.” or “She will not come.”

In everyday English, we use the contraction “won’t.” For example: “I won’t go,” “They won’t arrive on time.”

4. Questions with “Will”

To make questions, invert “will” and the subject.
The structure becomes:

Will + subject + base verb?

For example: “Will you help me?” or “Will she come tomorrow?”

Short answers are simple:

“Yes, I will.” / “No, I won’t.”
“Yes, they will.” / “No, they won’t.”

5. Using “Shall”

“Shall” is often used with “I” and “we” for suggestions or offers.
At A1 level, you will mainly see “shall” in questions.

For example: “Shall we go?” This is a suggestion.

Or: “Shall I open the window?” This is an offer.

In modern English, “will” is more common in most situations, but “shall” is still used in polite offers and suggestions.

6. Common Mistakes

Do not add “to” after “will.”
A common mistake is saying: “I will to go.” This is incorrect. The correct form is: “I will go.”

Also remember that “will” does not change with the subject. We do not say “He wills go.” The form is always “will.”

Practice Exercises

Complete the sentences using “will” or “shall” in the correct form.
Use affirmative, negative, or question forms.