Grammar﹕Future expression
【明報專訊】Pat and Bill want to pick up new hobbies. They are considering which classes to join.
Pat: Bill, do you think (1) I shall join the boxing class? It seems fun and healthy!
Bill: Let me see. The brochure says "(2) beginners will start with a series of physical training".
Pat: Great. (3) I am going to join the annual marathon with MoMo next year. I'm sure (4) the class will prepare me for that. Do you want to try the boxing class with me, Bill?
Bill: (5) I am having a violin exam in a few months' time. (6) I will be busy practising. But (7) I am going to enroll for a pottery class after the exam because my grandma (8) is turning 60 years old soon and (9) I am going to give her something I made.
We can use these structures to express an action in the future in different senses.
◆shall + verb infinitive (1)
This structure is used for making a suggestion, a piece of advice or an instruction.
e.g. I shall go to the library.
◆will + verb infinitive (2) (4) (6)
The use of the modal "will" with an infinitive expresses a future fact. This structure is sometimes used for making a decision or prediction.
e.g. The weather report says it will be rainy tomorrow.
◆"be" in present + present participle (5) (8)
This structure refers to a planned action at a clear point of time.
e.g. The Principal is delivering a speech in the graduation ceremony.
◆"be" in present + going to + verb infinitive (3) (7) (9)
We use this structure to talk about something you intend to do in the near future. The actual time of action can be either certain or uncertain.
e.g. Jane and Thomas are going to get married.
■Now you try
(Answers on next text)
1. This movie is interesting! You (will / are going to) like it.
2. I haven't seen Kelly for a long time. I (will / am going to) visit her soon.
3. Dad (will have/ is having) a surgery tomorrow.
■Glossary
consider (v) 考慮
pottery (n) 陶藝
prediction (n) 預測
intend (v) 想要；打算
[Smarties' Power English 第197期]
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