What do we use the modal verb will for?
Will is used for various reasons, however, it is mainly used for predictions about the future.
Predictions
We use will to talk about predictions when we have no proof or evidence. We do not know what is going to happen.
For example, It will rain tomorrow.
In this context, I have not seen the weather forecast so I have no idea if it is true or not.
Promises
We use will when we promise to do something.
For example, I will love you for ever, I promise. We will help you with your homework, we promise. They will help you to move house, they have promised.
Offers and requests
We use will when we offer to do something or if we ask someone to do something for us.
For example, Will you help me with my homework? I will give you a hand with the first task.
Sudden decisions
We use will to state that we have made a decision at the time of speaking.
For example, I will have a coffee, please.
In this context I am in a café and the waiter has asked for my order. I do not know what to have so I act on impulse and order the first thing I can think of.
1st conditional
The first conditional is to talk about likely and probable events.
For example, If I have time tomorrow, I will go to the supermarket. If you work hard, you will probably pass the exam.
Question tags
We use will as a question tag with the imperative, when we give an order.
For example, Just do it, will you?
In this context the will you makes it more polite.
Practice questions:
- Will it rain tomorrow?
- Will you go shopping this weekend if you have money?
- Will you meet your friends this weekend if you have time?
- Do you think that you will be lucky in the future?
