Lesson 2.3 · Talking about the future

Promises and offers: using ‘will’

We use ‘will’ to make offers and promises – things we agree to do for someone else. It is the most common, and most polite, way to commit to an action at work.

From How to Use English Verb Tenses in Business by David Cox · 200+ diagrams for professional English

Mixing tenses: using ‘will’ to make offers

Here, the present continuous describes what is happening now, and ‘will’ makes two promises to the client about what comes next.

Our legal team is just finalising the contract.

Present continuous to talk about a present temporary situation

We’ll make sure it’s completed today,

‘will’ to make a future promise / offer

and we’ll send it to you tomorrow to sign.

‘will’ to make a future promise / offer

Sounding more assertive: offers as future plans

If you want to sound particularly assertive with an offer or promise, you can express it the way you would a future plan – with ‘going to’ or the present continuous. This is used mainly with colleagues and your own team, rather than with clients.

↑ Offers become more arranged

I have already arranged to do the thing that I am offeringpresent continuous“I’m taking you all out for a team meal.”
I have already decided to do what I am offeringgoing to“We are going to prepare a contract for you.”
I’m spontaneously deciding to make this offer now (this is the most common way to make offers)I will…“I will send you all the details later.”

Teachers: use these diagrams

You are welcome to use these diagrams in your lessons and materials. Please credit Fluency Space with a link to this page.

Diagram: Fluency Space – fluencyspace.com/grammar/verb-tenses/promises-and-offers/

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