A: Do you think this dress will be okay for the party tomorrow night?
B: I don't know. It's going to be a pretty formal party so that dress might be a little too casual.
A: Yeah, I guess you're right.
Predictions
Another use of will or be going to is to predict what will happen in the future. A prediction is what we think will be true or will happen in the future.
- I think I'll do alright on my test.
- She will love that ring!
- My team is going to win!
- Do you think she will enjoy the movie?
- It's going to rain soon.
- I'm sure I won't like Korean food. I usually dislike spicy food.
- This table is going to look amazing in our house.
May / Might
Just as we can use may or might to express uncertainty in our plans as studied in Grammar 5-1, they can also be used to express uncertainty in our predictions:
It might rain tomorrow.
The dress may not fit you.
We might have a good time at the party.
Present Continuous
As studied in Grammar 5-1, the Present Continuous can be used to describe planned events that have been arranged. It is not normal to use this tense to describe actions that are outside of people's control, like the weather or the results of a game, test, accident, etc. For these, we use will or be going to.
- The Tigers are playing the Angels next week. Do you want to watch the game with me? (This is planned)
- My father is coming back from his trip tonight. (This is planned)
- Look at the black clouds! It's raining soon. (This is not planned; it is a prediction)
- It will / 's going to rain soon.
- I'm sure at the race, horse #5 is winning. (This is not planned; it is a prediction)
- horse #5 will / 's going to win.
Present Simple
The Present Simple is used to talk about future events that are sure to happen as a result of a timetable:
Class finishes today at 9 PM.
Summer vacation starts next week.
The sun sets at 7:42 PM this evening.
It is also common to use the Present Simple with the expression, "I hope":
- I hope it is sunny tomorrow.
- I hope it doesn't rain.
- Do you think Mike will come to the party tonight?
- I hope he does.
Exercise
Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.