(1) The document discusses the use of will and shall as modal verbs that express willingness and their use in forming the neutral future tense.
(2) The neutral future tense refers to using will or shall to talk about the future without implying any aspect (viewpoint) such as prediction, intention, or plan. It can be used when the aspect is already clear from other context cues.
(3) Examples are provided to illustrate using will for the neutral future when there is no implied aspect, as well as when the aspect is communicated elsewhere, such as through adverbs or verbs in the same sentence. The differences between will and going to are also explained.
65. Will you go away
at the weekend?
neutral
future
?
66. Will you go away
at the weekend?
modal
willingness
?
67. Will you go away
at the weekend?
modal
willingness
?
neutral
future
?
68. Will you go away
at the weekend
please?
modal
willingness
?
69. choose ‘will’ or ‘going to’
I ______ tennis with John tomorrow [play].
Maybe I ______ tennis with John tomorrow [play].
I think that I ______ the match at your house [watch].
What ______ you ______ after you finish university [do]?
What ______ he ______ if he can’t find the address [do]?
Please come in. I ______ a chair for you [get].
I’m not sure I ______ this film [like].
______ you ______ me with my homework [help]?
We ______ friends in Spain this summer [visit].
The next G8 ______ in Russia [not be held].
I ______ in the library after the lesson [be].
70. choose ‘will’ or ‘going to’
I’m going to play tennis with John tomorrow.
Maybe I’ll play tennis with John tomorrow.
I think that I’ll watch the match at your house.
What are you going to do after you finish university?
What will he do if he can’t find the address?
Please come in. I’ll get a chair for you.
I’m not sure I’ll like this film.
Will you help me with my homework?
We’re going to visit friends in Spain this summer.
The next G8 won’t be held in Russia.
I’ll be in the library after the lesson.