✨ Lesson 9: Future with "will" (Predictions, Decisions, Offers)
We have learned to use the Present Continuous and 'be going to' for future plans. Today, we will learn the third main way to talk about the future, using the modal verb1 will.
We use 'will' for different situations, such as making predictions, spontaneous decisions, and offers.
The Structure of 'will'
The structure for 'will' is very easy because it is the same for all subjects! The verb that follows 'will' is always the base form.
Subject + will + [Base Verb]...
- Contraction: I will → I'll | He will → He'll | They will → They'll
- Negative: will not → won't
Use 1: Predictions2 (What you think will happen)
We use 'will' to say what we think or believe will happen in the future.
- I think it will rain this afternoon.
- You'll love the food in Cambodia. It's delicious!
- In the future, more tourists will visit Siem Reap.
Use 2: Spontaneous Decisions3 (Deciding right now)
We use 'will' for a decision that we make at the moment of speaking. It is not a plan we made before.
Friend A: I'm thirsty.
Friend B: Me too. Wait, I'll buy us some water. (The decision was made right now).
Use 3: Offers4 (Offering to help)
We use 'will' to offer to do something for someone.
- That bag looks heavy. I'll carry it for you.
- You look confused. I'll help you find your hotel on the map.
'be going to' (Plan) vs. 'will' (Spontaneous Decision)
| Situation | Correct Form |
|---|---|
| You decided last week to see a movie tonight. A friend asks about your evening. | "I'm going to watch a movie." (This is a plan). |
| You are at home with a friend. You are bored. You suddenly decide to see a movie. | "I have an idea! We'll watch a movie!" (Spontaneous decision). |
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Correct Future Form
Choose the best future form ('ll / will or 'm / am going to) for each situation.
- (The phone rings) Don't worry, I ______ get it!
→ 'll get (Spontaneous decision) - I saved my money because I ______ buy a new phone next month.
→ 'm going to (Plan) - A: I can't do this homework. B: Don't worry, I ______ help you.
→ 'll help (Offer) - My flight is booked. I ______ leave for Bangkok on Friday.
→ 'm going to (Plan/Arrangement)
📝 Homework: Make a Decision
Write a sentence using "will" or "won't" for each situation.
Example: Your friend is hungry. → I'll make you a sandwich.
1. It's starting to rain and you don't have an umbrella.
→ I think I ________________________________.
2. Your friend asks you to go out, but you are very tired.
→ I'm sorry, I think I ________________________.
(Example Answers: 1. ...I'll wait inside. 2. ...I'll stay home tonight.)
Vocabulary Glossary
- Modal Verb: (Noun) - កិរិយាស័ព្ទគំរូ (kĕ're'ya'sap kŭm'roo) - A helping verb (like will, can, should) that expresses ability, permission, or future possibility. ↩
- Prediction: (Noun) - ការទស្សន៍ទាយ (kaa toosh'neay) - A statement about what you think will happen in the future. ↩
- Spontaneous Decision: (Phrase) - ការសម្រេចចិត្តភ្លាមៗ (kaa sâm'răch'chĕt phleam'phleam) - A decision made suddenly, at the moment of speaking, without a prior plan. ↩
- Offer: (Noun) - ការផ្តល់ជូន (kaa ptâl'chun) - An act of asking if someone would like you to do something for them. ↩