Lindsay McMahon
"The English Adventurer"

Today, in #11 of our countdown of the Top 15 Fixes in English series, we’ll be discussing the most common mistake with the future tense of English!

When you want to talk in English about something you will do in the future, remember that one “will” is enough.

If you are going to meet your friend tomorrow, and you want to tell them you will call them when you arrive, you should not say, “When I will be there, I will call you.”  This is too many “wills”, but also two separate ideas.

The rule for a sentence like this is: Present Tense + Future Tense.  A correct version of the sentence would read, “When I arrive, I will call you,” or “When I am there, I will call you.”

Roleplay

In this roleplay, Lindsay and Michelle are discussing what they will make for dinner.

Michelle: I think I will make some pasta tonight. Does that sound good to you?

Lindsay: I actually had pasta last night when I went out with friends. I will eat it again if you want, but I’d rather not.

Michelle: No worries! I will make something else. What about a Thai salad with grilled chicken and peanut sauce dressing?

Lindsay: That sounds amazing! It will be a lot of work, though! Are you up for it?

Michelle: Yeah, I can do it if you will help chop veggies!

Lindsay: I will for sure help. While you grill the chicken, I will prep the vegetables.

Michelle: Perfect! When I’m at the grocery store, I will call you to see if we need anything else.

Other Entries in the 15 Fixes Series:

Have you had any trouble with the future tense of English?

Tell us about in the comments section below!

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