Future with “will”

will + base verb — the same for every subject, no -s, no to. In speech it's usually shortened to 'll; the negative is won't (= will not).

💡Don't use will for every future idea. “I'll go to Da Lat tomorrow” sounds like a sudden decision; if the ticket is already booked, say I'm going to Da Lat tomorrow. And listen carefully: won't /wəʊnt/ (US /woʊnt/) is not want /wɒnt/ (US /wɑːnt/).

1. Decisions made at the moment of speaking

• It's cold in here. I'll close the window.

• Hmm, what looks good… I'll have the beef noodles, please.

2. Offers, agreeing and promises

• That box looks heavy. I'll carry it for you.

• Can you pick me up at the station? — Sure, I'll be there at six.

• I won't tell anyone, I promise.

3. Asking someone to do something: Will you…?

• Will you hold my bag for a second?

  informal; more polite: Could you…?

4. Predictions, opinions and facts about the future — often with I think, I'm sure, probably, I expect

• I think you'll love this film.

• Don't worry, I'm sure you'll pass.

• My sister will be 18 next month.

5. Won't = refuse to (people, and even machines)

• My little brother won't eat vegetables.

• The car won't start. I think the battery's dead.

• probably, definitely, certainly go after will but before won't: It'll probably rain. / It probably won't rain.
• For a negative opinion, I don't think … will is more common than I think … won't: I don't think she'll come.
• To ask for an opinion: Do you think it'll rain? What do you think will happen?
• From most to least sure: I'm sure … will → I think / I expect … will → … will probably → I doubt … will (= probably not).

Shall is mainly used in questions with I / we to offer help or ask what the other person wants. It's common in British English; Americans more often say Should I…? or Do you want me to…?

• It's hot in here. Shall I open the window?

• What time shall we meet?

Don't offer with will I…?: Shall I help you? (not: Will I help you?). Suggestions with Shall we…? are covered in the lesson “Suggestions”.

Will fits things you decide or judge as you speak. If something was decided or arranged earlier, use going to or the present continuous.

• Sorry, I can't come on Friday. I'm working late.

  already arranged

• I've made up my mind. I'm going to apply for that job.

  decided earlier

• They need a designer? Then I'll apply too!

  decided just now

After when, as soon as, before, after, until and if, you normally use the present simple even for the future, not will: I'll call you when I get home. See the lesson “Future time clauses”.

• ✗She will comes back tomorrow.

  ✓She will come back tomorrow.

  Base form after will.

• ✗I will to call you later.

  ✓I will call you later.

  No to after will.

• ✗We willn't be at home on Sunday.

  ✓We won't be at home on Sunday.

  The negative of will is won't.

• ✗Do you will come to my party?

  ✓Will you come to my party?

  Questions put will first — no do.

• ✗I'll text you when I will get home.

  ✓I'll text you when I get home.

  Present simple after when.

• ✗Don't worry, I pay you back next week.

  ✓Don't worry, I'll pay you back next week.

  A promise about the future needs will.