1. Expressing Future Events
Unit 9
Expressing Future Events

2. Which of the following sentences is incorrect?
I’ll go to Hawaii next summer.
I’m going to Hawaii next summer.
I’m going to go to Hawaii next summer.

3. Trick question! Actually, they’re ALL correct!
I’ll go to Hawaii next summer.
I’m going to Hawaii next summer.
I’m going to go to Hawaii next summer.

4. I’ll go to Hawaii next summer. I’m going to Hawaii next summer.
But is there any difference between the sentences? If yes, what are the differences?
I’ll go to Hawaii next summer.
I’m going to Hawaii next summer.
I’m going to go to Hawaii next summer.

5. Be going to + a base verb OR the present continuous express more certainty because they are concrete plans that were made earlier.
I’m going to Hawaii next summer.
I’m going to go to Hawaii next summer.

6. So, how does the following sentence FEEL different to you?
I’ll go to Hawaii next summer.

7. I’ll go to Hawaii next summer.
When using will + a base verb, you are making more of a spontaneous, unplanned statement. In other words, this is usually NOT something that you are absolutely certain of or that you have planned well in advance.
I’ll go to Hawaii next summer.

8. Example:
“Yo, David, what are you going to do next summer?” “I don’t know. I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. Hmmm…. I think I’ll go to Hawaii next summer….”

9. How certain or uncertain the statement is depends on the use of modals, like ‘maybe,’ ‘perhaps, ‘ doubtful,’ ‘possible,’ ‘likely,’ or ‘unlikely
Maybe I’ll go to Hawaii this summer.
Perhaps I’ll go to Hawaii this summer.
It’s possible that I’ll go to Hawaii this summer.
It’s likely that I’ll go to Hawaii this summer.
It’s unlikely that I’ll go to Hawaii this summer.
Which of the statements above shows the greatest certainty?

10. Note: Will + a base verb can also be used to express willingness or when making a spontaneous offer
“I can’t find anyone that want to go on the business trip to Hawaii next summer….”  “Darn! Okay, well, I’ll go to Hawaii then….”