Was Your English Teacher Wrong? How to Use 'Will' Properly!

Was Your English Teacher Wrong? How to Use ‘Will’ Properly!

This is a follow-up to last week’s newsletter. If you have not read it yet, I suggest that you do so here:

We do not use ‘will’ in English to talk about the future as often as your English teacher may have taught you. Let’s look at the situations where you should you ‘will’.

Will - a Promise

We use ‘will’ when promising to do something for someone.

Will - a decision at the time of speaking

When we make an instant decision, we use ‘will’. This decision is often based on new information introduced into the conversation.

We often use ‘will’ when ordering in a restaurant

Notice we say ‘will have’ and never ‘will eat’.

Will - an Offer

In a similar way to a decision at the time of speaking, an offer is often, but not necessarily, based on new information.

Will - Prediction - Personal Opinion

There are two types of predictions - predictions based on evidence or predictions without evidence which are our personal opinion. For predictions without evidence, we use ‘will’.

At this stage, it’s too far away to have any evidence that Italy will win the next World Cup. So this can only be a personal opinion so we use ‘will’.

What do we use for predictions with evidence?

Going to - Prediction with Evidence

If we have evidence, we use ‘going to’ for predictions.

In both these examples, it’s clear that the predictions are based on evidence, so ‘will’ would not be appropriate.

Modal Verbs for Talking About the Future

In the above examples with ‘will’, ‘will’ is classified as a modal verb. Modal verbs cannot be used on their own and must be used with another verb.

When we are unsure about something in the future, we may use other modal verbs in place of will:

• May - I may stay late in the office tonight (possibility)

• Might - I might go for a drink after work (possibility)

• Could - You could meet the client next Wednesday (ability)

• Should - You should meet the client next Wednesday (advice or recommendation)

• Must - You must meet the client next Wednesday (obligation)

In the first two examples, there is no difference between ‘may’ and ‘might’, and these two words can be used interchangeably, in this context. However, only ‘may’ can be used for permission.

So, was your English teacher correct when you were taught about the use of ‘will’ for the future? Were you taught that we mainly use will for promises, decisions made at the time of speaking, offers and predictions without evidence?

Reply to this email and let me know!

Reflections of New York - A City of Contrasts!

As I write this newsletter, I’m gazing up at the iconic Empire State Building. From a distance, it’s an awe-inspiring symbol of the city’s grandeur. But up close, it is rather underwhelming. It’s surprisingly easy to walk by without noticing it - it’s just like passing a Starbucks. That’s because the ground floor of the Empire State Building is a Starbucks! This contrast between my impression of it close-up and from a distance mirrors my thoughts on New York as a whole.

There’s no doubt that New York has its wonders. The city pulses with energy, offering countless attractions and experiences. From Broadway shows to world-class museums, it’s a place where dreams are made and where millions flock each year to take in its vibrant atmosphere. On Instagram, New York often appears as a flawless city, a place where every corner is photogenic and every moment is magical.

However, just like social media posts that capture only the highlights of people’s lives, these images don’t tell the whole story. Beneath the glamorous surface lies a different reality. New York, like many large cities, struggles with significant social issues. A recent survey revealed that over 4,000 people sleep on the streets every night. Additionally, nearly 90,000 people rely on homeless shelters. These stark statistics are a sobering reminder of the challenges the city faces.

As you explore the iconic sites, it’s hard to ignore the human suffering that coexists with the city’s wealth and luxury. Seeing people in such desperate situations, some of whom are receiving medical attention that might already be too late, is a stark contrast to the glittering lights and carefully curated Instagram photos of the city.

New York is undeniably a great city, but it’s also a city of great problems. The magnificence of its skyline and cultural offerings is balanced by the reality of those who live on the margins. As visitors, it’s important to acknowledge both sides of the city - the wonder and the struggle - and to remember that behind every perfect picture is a complex city with challenges that demand attention.

Word of the Day: Modal verb

Modal verb - noun - a verb used with another verb to express an idea such as possibility that is not expressed by the main verb.

• can - ability / permission / possibility

• could - past ability / possibility / polite request

• may - permission / possibility

• might - possibility

• must - obligation / necessity / strong probability

• ought - moral obligation / advice

• shall - formal suggestion

• should - advice / expectation

• would - polite request / hypothetical situation / past habit

• will - as we have discussed in this newsletter.

Do you have any Business English Questions?

Please email me and I will do my best to answer them in future newsletters.

Until next Wednesday - have a great week!

Iain.

www.communicateenglish.com