To complete the sentences with the appropriate form of future expression (shall, going to, will, or the present continuous), it's important to understand the subtle differences in usage between these forms:
- "Going to" is often used for plans or intentions that have already been decided before the moment of speaking, or for predictions based on present evidence.
- "Will" is used for spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, offers, or predictions not based on present evidence.
- Present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) is used for fixed plans or arrangements, often with a specific time and place.
- "Shall" is primarily used with "I" and "we" for offers, suggestions, or asking for advice, and is more common in British English.
Let's apply these rules to the sentences:
A: I am going (go) to town this afternoon. Shall I go (I / go) to the supermarket on my way back?
- Here, "am going" is used because the speaker has a plan to go to town. "Shall I go" is used as an offer or suggestion to stop by the supermarket.
B: Yes, we need bread, milk, and some fruit.
A: OK. I will get (get) all that, and some eggs, too.
- "Will get" is used here because the decision to buy these items is made at the moment of speaking.
A: I heard on the radio that the weather will be (be) excellent this weekend.
- "Will be" is used for a prediction about the weather, which is based on the information from the radio.
B: That’s good, because my parents are coming (come) to stay with me.
- "Are coming" is present continuous, indicating a fixed arrangement for the parents' visit.
A: I went to see Miami Vice yesterday at the cinema. It’s excellent.
B: Oh good. I am going to see (see) it tomorrow.
- "Am going to see" is used because the speaker has a plan to see the movie.
A: I know you will love (love) it.
- "Will love" is used for a prediction about the listener's enjoyment of the movie.
By applying these guidelines, you can effectively choose the most appropriate future expression in each context.
