Fill in the blanks with an appropriate verb form.
1. We …………………………… to Greece next summer.
We use the present continuous tense to talk about pre-planned future events.
2. I knew she ………………………….. before long.
When the verb in the main clause is in the past tense, we use a past tense in the subordinate clause as well.
3. The Prime Minister ……………………………. London in December.
We use the simple present to talk about plans and schedules.
4. Phone me when you ………………………….
In the subordinate clause we often use a present tense to refer to future.
5. ‘I’m hungry.’ ‘I …………………………….. you something to eat.’
We use the simple future to tell people about a decision as we make it.
6. …………………………… I open the window?
Shall I is often used to ask for instructions.
7. I …………………………… you tonight.
We use the simple future to announce our decisions.
8. I will pay you back when I …………………………….. a job.
When the verb in the main clause is in the future tense, we use a present tense in the subordinate clause to refer to future.
9. By next year, we …………………………………. here for twenty-five years.
We use the future perfect to say that something will have been achieved by a certain time in the future.
10. I ………………………….. break his neck.
With the first person pronouns we use will in threats.
11. I promise I ………………………………. do that again.
We use will in promises.
12. It is no use phoning them now – they ………………………………….. by now.
The future perfect can also be used to predict the present.
Answers
1. We are going to Greece next summer.
2. I knew she would arrive before long.
3. The Prime Minister is to visit London in December.
4. Phone me when you arrive.
5. ‘I’m hungry.’ ‘I will get you something to eat.’
6. Shall I open the window?
7. I will phone you tonight.
8. I will pay you back when I get a job.
9. By next year, we will have been here for twenty-five years.
10. I will break his neck.
11. I promise I won’t do that again.
12. It is no use phoning them now – they will have left by now.
