Future expression: other ways to talk about the future

Дата публикации: Mar 27, 2016 9:34:53 AM

Future: other expressions to talk about the future

We use a number of expressions with main verb be when we refer to the future, especially the immediate future.

Be about to

We use be about to + base form of the verb to refer to things that we expect to happen very soon. We often use it with just, for emphasis:

The ferry is about to leave.

The driver is about to collect them. Shall I phone to stop him?

We’re just about to set off for a walk. Do you want to come?

Warning: With time expressions, we don’t use be about to, we use the present simple:

Hurry up, please! The coach is about to leave!

Hurry up, please! The coach leaves in five minutes!

Not: The coach is about to leave in five minutes!

Be on the point of

We can also use be on the point of + -ing form to refer to things that we expect to happen very soon. Be on the point of is similar to be just about to:

I was on the point of leaving my job but then I got promoted so I changed my mind.

не-фактуальное

Be due to

We use be due to + base form of the verb to talk about things that are scheduled:

The visitors are due to arrive at the factory at 10:30.

Be to

Be to + base form of the verb has a number of meanings. It is rather formal.

Obligations: Be to refers to what someone is obliged or required to do. We also use it to refer to formal decisions:

[referring to an obligation]

If I am not to tell anyone, then that’s simply not fair.

[making decisions at a business meeting]

So, George is to contact the Stockholm office, and Patricia is to speak to the Elsico representative. Agreed?

Commands and instructions: We can also use be to when we give someone commands or instructions:

You are to report to the head office by 8.30 am.

She’s not to be late. OK?

Headlines радио; тлв. краткое содержание выпуска последних известий:

Be to is common in newspaper headlines to refer to events which have been fixed or decided. We don’t always use the verb:

Prime Minister to announce emergency plan on climate change. (a headline – used without a verb)

(Full form: The Prime Minister is to announce an emergency plan on climate change.)

see To be to (Modal verbs p.8)