(Complete English Grammar Theory for SSC, Banking, PSC & UPSC Exams)
1. Introduction to Future Tense
The Future Tense is used to describe an action that will happen after the present time. In competitive exams such as SSC, Banking, PSC, and UPSC, Future Tense questions appear in:
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Improvement
- Cloze Test
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
A clear understanding of structure and usage helps avoid common verb-form mistakes.
TYPES OF FUTURE TENSE
Future Tense has four main forms:
- Simple Future Tense
- Future Continuous Tense
- Future Perfect Tense
- Future Perfect Continuous Tense
1. SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE
Structure
Affirmative:
Subject + will + V1
Negative:
Subject + will not + V1
Interrogative:
Will + subject + V1?
Usage of Simple Future
1. Instant Decision
Example:
I will call you later.
2. Promise / Offer / Threat
Example:
I will help you.
3. Prediction (without evidence)
Example:
It will rain tomorrow.
Use of “Shall”
Traditionally:
- Shall was used with I/We.
- Will was used with other subjects.
Modern English:
- Will is commonly used with all subjects.
Example:
I will attend the meeting.
(For exam purposes, “shall” may appear in formal contexts or suggestions:
Shall we begin?)
Important Exam Rules
Rule 1: After “will”, always use V1
Incorrect: She will goes there.
Correct: She will go there.
Rule 2: Do not use “will” in time clauses
Incorrect: I will call you when he will arrive.
Correct: I will call you when he arrives.
(Time clauses use Present Simple.)
2. FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE
Structure
Subject + will be + V1 + ing
Usage
1. Action Continuing at a Specific Time in Future
Example:
She will be studying at 10 PM tomorrow.
2. Polite Inquiry
Example:
Will you be joining us tonight?
3. FUTURE PERFECT TENSE
Structure
Subject + will have + V3
Usage
1. Action Completed Before a Specific Future Time
Example:
She will have finished the work by 5 PM.
(Time expressions: by, before, by the time)
Important Exam Rule
Use Future Perfect when:
- Two future actions are mentioned.
- One will finish before the other.
Example:
By the time you arrive, I will have completed the task.
4. FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE
Structure
Subject + will have been + V1 + ing
Usage
1. Duration of Action Until a Future Time
Example:
By next month, she will have been working here for five years.
(Indicates duration with “for” or “since”.)
SPECIAL FUTURE STRUCTURES IMPORTANT FOR EXAMS
1. “Going To” for Planned Action
Structure:
Subject + am/is/are + going to + V1
Example:
She is going to start a new project.
Use:
- Prior plan
- Strong prediction (with evidence)
Example:
Look at the clouds! It is going to rain.
2. Present Continuous for Fixed Arrangement
Example:
She is meeting the manager tomorrow.
(Used for scheduled future plans.)
3. Simple Present for Scheduled Events
Example:
The train leaves at 6 AM tomorrow.
(Common in timetables.)
COMMON ERRORS IN COMPETITIVE EXAMS
Error 1: Future Tense in Time Clause
Incorrect:
When he will come, I will inform you.
Correct:
When he comes, I will inform you.
Error 2: Double Future
Incorrect:
If he will work hard, he will pass.
Correct:
If he works hard, he will pass.
(First conditional uses Present Simple in “if” clause.)
Error 3: Wrong Verb After “Will”
Incorrect:
They will going to attend the meeting.
Correct:
They will attend the meeting.
OR
They are going to attend the meeting.
FUTURE TENSE IN CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
First Conditional (Real Possibility)
If + Present Simple, will + V1
Example:
If she studies, she will pass.
Second Conditional (Unreal Present)
If + V2, would + V1
Example:
If I were rich, I would travel the world.
(Note: “Were” is used for all subjects in formal English.)
FUTURE TENSE IN REPORTED SPEECH
Direct:
She said, “I will attend the meeting.”
Indirect:
She said that she would attend the meeting.
(“Will” changes to “would”.)
QUICK REVISION TABLE
| Tense | Structure | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Future | will + V1 | Decision / Prediction |
| Future Continuous | will be + ing | Ongoing future action |
| Future Perfect | will have + V3 | Completed before future time |
| Future Perfect Continuous | will have been + ing | Duration till future time |
EXAM STRATEGY (SSC / BANKING / PSC / UPSC)
- Check time clauses (when, before, after, until).
- Avoid “will” in subordinate clauses.
- Look for words like “by”, “by the time”.
- Understand difference between “will” and “going to”.
- Identify planned vs instant decisions.
MINI PRACTICE (WITH ANSWERS)
- By next year, she ____ (complete) her degree.
→ will have completed - If he studies hard, he ____ (pass).
→ will pass - She ____ (meet) the principal tomorrow.
→ is meeting - They ____ (work) at this time tomorrow.
→ will be working