In this module, we will cover the Future Tense, which is used to express actions that will happen or are expected to happen. You will learn how to conjugate verbs in the future tense, make predictions, and discuss future plans. This module will also introduce you to ways of expressing uncertainty about the future.
To form the future tense in Spanish, you add specific endings directly to the infinitive form of the verb (just as with the conditional tense). These endings are the same for all verbs, whether they end in -ar, -er, or -ir.
Future Endings:
Example with hablar (to speak):
Example with comer (to eat):
Many common verbs have irregular stems in the future tense, but the endings remain the same as the regular future tense.
Examples:
Note: The stem changes, but the endings -é, -ás, etc., remain the same.
Tener (to have) → tendré
Hacer (to do/make) → haré
Decir (to say) → diré
Poder (to be able to) → podré
Venir (to come) → vendré
The Future Tense is often used to predict actions or events that will take place based on current knowledge or assumptions. These predictions could be about personal experiences, the weather, or even world events.
When expressing uncertainty or making educated guesses about the future, you can use creo que (I think that) with the future tense.
The construction “ir a” + verb is another way to express future actions in Spanish, similar to the “going to” construction in English.
“Ir a” + infinitive tends to express plans or intentions, while the future tense can indicate a prediction, a decision, or something that will certainly happen in the future.
In Spanish, it is common to use the present tense to express future actions, especially in everyday conversations when the context makes the future clear.
This is a more informal way of expressing future actions and is often used in spoken Spanish.
The Future Progressive is formed by using the future tense of the verb “estar” + the present participle (gerund) of the main verb.
Structure:
Example with hablar (to speak):
Example with comer (to eat):
The Future Progressive is used to describe actions that will be ongoing at a certain point in the future, often with emphasis on the process or duration of the activity.
By the end of this module, you will have a solid understanding of how to express future actions using the Future Tense and Future Progressive Tense. You will be able to make predictions, talk about future plans, and express actions that will be in progress at a specific point in the future. Mastery of these tenses will allow you to speak about upcoming events and express uncertainty in a wide variety of situations.