Exercises · Future tenses
Future tenses: match the sentence halves
Read the endings in each section, then choose the right ending (A–E) for each sentence beginning. Look at the tenses as well as the meaning.
Need a refresher? Review the rules for spontaneous decisions, future plans, promises and offers, predictions and ‘when’ and ‘as long as’ in our Verb Tenses in Business guide.
1. Spontaneous decisions
‘will’ for decisions you make at the moment of speaking.
Rules: 2.1 Spontaneous decisions
- AI think we’ll take a ten-minute break.
- BThanks – I’ll fix it now.
- CI’ll finish the report tomorrow morning.
- DI’ll call you back on my mobile.
- EI’ll message him after this call.
1There’s a typo on slide 3. …
2The line is really bad – …
3We still need Tom’s opinion, so …
4Everyone looks tired. …
5It’s getting late, so I think …
2. Future plans
Present simple, present continuous, ‘going to’ and ‘will’ for plans that are more or less fixed.
Rules: 2.2 Future plans
- Aat some point, but nothing is fixed yet.
- Bbut this week we’re starting at 10.
- Cat 9am sharp, according to the agenda.
- Dso I’ll need to leave the meeting early.
- Efor lunch on Thursday – it’s in my diary.
1The board meeting starts …
2I’m meeting the new client …
3We’re going to expand into Poland …
4I have a conference call at 3pm, …
5The weekly meeting usually starts at 9, …
3. Promises and offers
‘will’ for offers and promises – and the more assertive alternatives.
Rules: 2.3 Promises and offers
- Awe’re going to prepare a full proposal for you.
- BI’m taking you all out for dinner on Friday.
- CI’ll put the charts together for you.
- Dand we’ll send it to you tomorrow to sign.
- Ewe won’t let you down.
1If you send me the data, …
2Don’t worry about the deadline – …
3Great work, everyone! …
4Our legal team is just finalising the contract, …
5We’ve already made our decision: …
4. Predictions
‘will’ for opinions, ‘going to’ for predictions based on evidence.
Rules: 2.4 Predictions
- Aplenty of time for questions at the end.
- Bwe’re going to miss our target this month.
- Cso I’ll arrange some extra help for you.
- Dso we’re going to get there early.
- Ewill love the new design.
1Look at these figures – …
2I think our customers …
3The airport will probably be busy later, …
4Hopefully, there will be …
5It looks like we’re going to be very busy later, …
5. ‘When’ and ‘as long as’
Present simple (and present perfect) after when, until, as soon as and as long as.
Rules: 2.5 Future with ‘when’ and ‘as long as’
- Auntil everyone has joined the call.
- Bwill accept our new price.
- Cwhen the survey has closed.
- Das soon as legal approves it.
- Ethe board will approve the project.
1I’ll send you the signed contract …
2We won’t start the meeting …
3As long as we stay within budget, …
4Let’s review the results …
5I don’t know if the client …
6. Mixed review
All five topics together – the closest thing to a real meeting.
Rules: all future tenses lessons
- Aplease update the project tracker.
- Bso I’ll give them a call instead.
- Cthe campaign is going to be a success.
- Dso I’ll send you the link at 3.30.
- Ethe lease is already signed.
1The webinar starts at 4pm CET, …
2We’re moving to a new office in March – …
3Before you leave tonight, …
4Nobody has replied to my email, …
5Judging by the early numbers, …
Check a section to see your score here.
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