Asking Questions in Simple Future Tense
- Simple future tense is used for actions that haven't occurred yet but will occur in the future.
- Yes-No questions in simple future tense are formed with "will" or "be going to" at the beginning.
- Questions with 5W (Who, What, When, Where, Why) in simple future tense also use "will" or "are going to" before the subject.
- Subject questions and object questions use "who" or "what" differently, based on their role in the sentence.
Asking questions about the future is a common part of everyday conversation. This lesson focuses on how to form questions in the simple future tense using "will" or "be going to".
Remember that we use "will" to talk about our prediction about the future and "be going to" to talk about our future plans or intentions.
Forming Yes-No Questions in Simple Future Tense
To ask a question that can be answered with "yes" or "no" in the simple future tense, start with "Will" or "Are you going to", followed by the subject and then the base form of the main verb.
Grammar Rule 1: "Will" + subject + base verb?
Grammar Rule 2: Be verb + subject + "going to" + base verb?
Examples:
-
Will you attend the meeting?
"Will" + subject ("you") + base verb ("attend") + object ("the meeting")?
-
Are you going to watch the movie tonight?
Be verb ("Are") + subject ("you") + "going to" + base verb ("watch") + object ("the movie")?
Forming 5W1H Questions in Simple Future Tense
When forming questions with Who, What, When, Where, Why (and How) in the simple future tense, place the question word at the beginning, followed by "will" or "are going to", the subject, and then the base form of the verb.
Grammar Rule 1: Question Word ("Who", "What", etc.) + "will" + subject + base verb?
Grammar Rule 2: Question Word ("Who", "What", etc.) + be verb + subject + "going to" + base verb?
Examples:
-
What will you do tomorrow?
Question word ("What") + "will" + subject ("you") + base verb ("do")?
-
Where are you going to spend your vacation?
Question word ("Where") + be verb ("are") + subject ("you") + "going to" + base verb ("spend") + object ("your vacation")?
Subject Questions VS Object Questions
Subject questions and object questions differ based on whether "who" or "what" acts as the subject or object in the sentence. In subject questions, "who" or "what" takes the place of the subject. In object questions, "who" or "what" replaces the object of the verb or preposition.
To make a subject question ...
1. Think about the answer.
2. Change the subject to a question word.
To make an object question ...
1. Think about the answer.
2. Change the answer to a question word, and put it at the beginning.
3. Reverse the "will" / be verb and the subject.
Examples:
-
Who will travel with her?
Subject Question: "Who" replaces the subject who will perform the action.
-
Who will you talk to?
Object Question: "Who" is the object of the preposition "to".
Practice this topic with the AI English Tutor
AI English Tutor will teach you the grammar and practice it with you in a conversation format. Plus, 100+ practice questions on this topic to cement your understanding.
Try ALULA for free on your phone or tablet
Do you have any questions about this lesson? Ask in the comment section, below.