|
|
 Tue Mar 27, 2007 18:17 pm Grammar - Future Time |
|
|
Hi FM
My comments are in the quote.
| forum_mail wrote: | While doing some exercises from Advance Language Practice (by M.Vince) I came across (or I've come across?) a few nagging doubts about grammar, particulary - future time. (I came up with my own versions and I don't know whether there is a change of meaning if I use them or not)
1. By the time you get back Harry __________
a) will have left (I would pick this one, but I'm not sure why... I mean - "by the time" suggests the usage of future perfect, but that's the only hint to me)
You need 'will have left' because Harry's departure will be in the past at the time you arrive (get back) in the future.
b) will leave - is it possible to use the simple future tense here? NO
2. It's very hot in here. I think I'm going to faint.
Yes. Using the 'be going to' future means that you think fainting is unavoidable.
a) Could I use "I will faint" in this one? NO Why/why not?
If you use 'will' here, it sounds as though you're making either a decision to faint or a promise to faint.
3. I'm sorry dinner isn't ready yet, but it will be ready in a minute.
OK, using 'will' sounds as though you're promising.
a) Could I say "it's going to be ready in a minute" ?
Also OK, and it means that you are very sure that it will be ready in a minute, but using 'will' is somewhat better since it is in combination with an apology.
4. Everyone says that this year City are going to win the Cup.
Everyone sees this victory as a nearly 100% sure future event. It is bound to happen. Everybody is sure.
a) Wouldn't it be better to say "will win the Cup" ? I mean... we make a prediction, don't we? Why is "are going" used here?
Using 'will' would mean that everyone thinks this is possibly true. Winning is not seen as a sure thing, but rather only possible or probable.
5. I don't feel like visiting my relatives this year so I'm not going. "I'm not going" basically means "I have not made any plans to go because I have decided not to go."
a) Isn't "I won't go" a better option here? Why/why not? What explanation stands behind or supports or backs up the "I'm not going" option?
I suppose you could use "I won't go" -- especially if the word 'so' weren't in the sentence. In this case, "I won't go" would be a refusal. It would mean "I'm not willing to go" or "I refuse to go." In other words, it would sound as though someone else is trying to convince you to go and you are refusing.
6. You can borrow this calculator, I am not going to need it.
a) Is it possible to say "I won't need it" ? and doesn't it sound more natural than "I'm not going to need it" ? Why so? What's the difference, if any?
"I'm not going to need it" = I'm sure I won't need it.
"I won't need it" = "I probably won't need it."
7. No one knows who is going to win the match. No one can predict the winner with certainty.
a) again... wouldn't it be ok to say "will win" ? Yes. No one can say who will probably win.
|
|
|
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 7248
Location: New England
|
|
| Tue Mar 27, 2007 22:48 pm Grammar - Future Time |
|
|
| Quote: | By the time you get back Harry __________
a) will have left |
Hello Amy
I really admire you for the selfless effort you put in! 
Could you please tell me if I use "would have left", will it be considered correct? Or 'less definite'?
Tom |
|
Tom
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 30 May 2006
Posts: 1976
|
 |
| Tue Mar 27, 2007 23:42 pm Grammar - Future Time |
|
|
Thank you, Tom.
You can make the whole sentence more tentative or theoretical by also changing the word 'get' to 'got' -- like a 'type 2 conditional' sentence.
Amy |
|
Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 7248
Location: New England
|
|
|
| meaning of "concentrate his thoughts" | Expression: 'Who better than William to end my letter...' |
