B1daily

Future Simple vs Present Simple - Daily English

Type your answer in each blank and press Enter to check it, or use Check answers below. A cue in (brackets) is the word to put in the right form.

English uses both "will" and the present simple to talk about the future, and choosing between them changes your meaning. Use the future simple (will + base verb) for predictions, instant decisions, offers and promises: "I think the client will accept the offer." "Don't worry, I'll send the report tonight." Use the present simple for fixed timetables and scheduled events that you do not control: "The flight leaves at 09:00." "The meeting starts at three." A second, important rule: after time words such as when, as soon as, after, before and until, and after if, use the present simple, not "will", even though the meaning is future: "I'll call you when I arrive" (not "when I will arrive"); "If the budget allows, we will hire two people." A common pitfall for learners is putting "will" inside these clauses, which sounds wrong to native speakers. Another is using the present simple for personal plans or predictions, where English prefers "will" or "going to": say "The webinar will be useful," not "The webinar is useful tomorrow." Keep the timetable use for things on an official schedule, and let "will" carry your decisions, promises and forecasts.

Let's practise. Type each answer and press Enter, I'll check it with you.

  1. The train (leave) at 9:00 AM every morning.
  2. I think it (snow) later this evening.
  3. My brother (visit) us next weekend.
  4. Water (boil) at 100 degrees Celsius.
  5. Don't worry, I (help) you with those heavy bags.
  6. The supermarket (open) at 8:00 AM on weekdays.
  7. We (go) to the beach if the weather is nice tomorrow.
  8. She (not/eat) meat because she is a vegetarian.
  9. Wait! I (close) the door for you.
  10. My parents (live) in a small house by the coast.
  11. I'm sure you (love) this new Italian restaurant.
  12. The flight (arrive) at midnight according to the schedule.
  13. They (probably/buy) a new car next year.
  14. He (play) tennis every Tuesday afternoon.
  15. I (call) you as soon as I get home.
  16. The sun (rise) in the east.
  17. We (not/have) any classes this Friday.
  18. If you study hard, you (pass) the exam.
  19. Does the bus (stop) at this station?
  20. I promise I (not/tell) anyone your secret.
  21. My sister (work) in a large hospital downtown.
  22. Maybe we (meet) for coffee sometime next week.
  23. The museum (close) at 5:00 PM every day.
  24. I'm tired, so I (go) to bed early tonight.
  25. They (not/travel) much during the winter.

Common questions

When do I use the present simple to talk about the future instead of "will"?

Use the present simple for fixed, scheduled events on an official timetable that you do not personally control: transport, opening hours, agendas and programmes. For example: "The train departs at 18:45," or "The conference runs from Monday to Wednesday." It signals certainty and arrangement. For your own decisions, predictions or promises, use "will" instead: "I'll confirm by email."

Why is "I will call you when I will arrive" wrong?

After time conjunctions such as when, as soon as, after, before and until, English uses the present simple for the future, not "will". The main clause still takes "will": "I will call you when I arrive." The same rule applies after "if": "If the meeting overruns, I will let you know." Using "will" inside the time or if-clause is a frequent B1-B2 mistake.

What is the difference between "The meeting starts at ten" and "The meeting will start at ten"?

"The meeting starts at ten" (present simple) presents it as a fixed item on the schedule, like a printed agenda. "The meeting will start at ten" (future simple) sounds more like a prediction or a decision, and can suggest it might change. In professional English both are acceptable, but the present simple is preferred when you are quoting an official, settled timetable.