Other Ways of Referring to the Future

As well as all the forms we use to refer to the future, we can also use a range of verbs and expressions to show that we are talking about the future. These verbs and expressions are often more precise than a future form and they are used widely, particularly in written English.

ò be to + infinitiveis used in news reports to talk about events that are likely to happen in the near future: Police officers are to visit every home in the area.

It is used to talk about formal or official arrangements, formal instructions, and to give orders: You are not to leave the school without my permission.

Notice that we only use be to + infinitive to talk about future events that can be controlled by people. Compare: In the next few years, thousands of speed cameras are to appear on major roads. Scientists say they can’t predict when or where the disease will appear again.

We often use be to + infinitivein if-clauses to say that something must happenfirst (in the main clause) before something else can happen (in the if-clause): If the human race is to survive, we must look at environmental problems now.

ò be due to + infinitive: used for arrangements that are to take place at a fixed time. Often used with timetables and official itineraries: The plane’s due to arrive in half an hour. Clare’s due to have her operation in three week’s time.

ò be sure / bound to + infinitive: used to say that something is likely or certain to happen: ‘Will there be somewhere to get a coffee at the station?’ – ‘Yes, there’s bound to be’.

ò be set to + infinitive: used to say that something is ready to happen: Her new film is set to be a great success.

ò be (just) about to + infinitive: used in conversation to refer to something that will happen very soon, in the immediate future: Don’t start talking to them now: they’re about to leave.

ò be (just) on the point of / brink of / verge of + gerund or noun: used to refer to something in the very immediate future: It is understood that the Chancellor is on the point of announcing his resignation. People are on the verge of starvation. Scientists are on the brink of making major advances in the fight against AIDS.

Be on the brink of usually refers to something important, exciting, or very bad.

ò agree, aim, expect, guarantee, hope, intend, mean, plan, promise, propose, resolve, undertake, want + to infinitive: Do you mean to work harder in your second year at college? I’m aiming to get to Bangkok by the end of June.

ò be looking + to-infinitive: used in speech and journalism to mean planning a course of action: We’re looking to create 3,000 jobs in the city over the next year.