Future in English - How to Talk about the Future

英文口說 — 怎樣用英文談論未來

Hi, I’m Martin.

Hi，我是Martin。

Welcome to Oxford Online English!

歡迎來到Oxford Online English！

In this lesson, you can learn how to talk about the future in English.

在本節課裡，您可以學到怎麼 用英文談論未來。

What are you doing this evening?

What are you doing this evening?

What are your plans for next year?

What are your plans for next year?

Who will win the next World Cup?

Who will win the next World Cup?

In this class, you’ll learn to answer these and other questions about the future in clear,

在本節課裡，您會學到用清晰、自然 和正確的英文回答

natural, correct English.

這些問題和其他的。

You’ll see many simple phrases which you can learn to help you talk about the future

您會學到很多簡單的片語， 來幫助您在任何

in English in any situation!

情形下用英文談論未來。

Let’s start with a simple question: what are you doing this weekend?

我們從一個簡單的問題開始：what are you doing this weekend?

What are you doing this weekend?

What are you doing this weekend?

I’m meeting some friends for lunch on Saturday, and then we’re going to the theatre.

I’m meeting some friends for lunch on Saturday, and then we’re going to the theatre.

Sounds good!

Sounds good!

What about Sunday?

What about Sunday?

Not sure.

Not sure.

I don’t have plans yet.

I don’t have plans yet.

What about you—doing anything fun?

What about you—doing anything fun?

I’m going away for the weekend.

I’m going away for the weekend.

Really?

Really?

Nice!

Nice!

Where are you going?

Where are you going?

Berlin!

Berlin!

I found some cheap flights.

I found some cheap flights.

Let’s look at some useful language you saw in this dialogue:

我們來看看您在本對話裡 看到的一些有用的說法：

What are you doing this weekend?

What are you doing this weekend?

This is a very common question.

這是一個很常見的問題。

You can change it and use it in different situations, like this:

您可以改變它，並在不同的情形下 使用它，像是這樣：

What are you doing tomorrow?

What are you doing tomorrow?

What are you doing tonight?

What are you doing tonight?

What are you doing next Wednesday evening?

What are you doing next Wednesday evening?

How could you answer these three questions?

您能怎樣回答這三個問題？

Here are some possible answers:

這裡是一些可能的回答：

I’m working in the morning, then I’m playing football in the park with some friends.

I’m working in the morning, then I’m playing football in the park with some friends.

I’m going for a beer with some people from work.

I’m going for a beer with some people from work.

Next Wednesday?

Next Wednesday?

No idea!

No idea!

I haven’t made any plans yet.

I haven’t made any plans yet.

Can you see what verb form you need in these questions and answers?

您可以看到在這些問題和回答裡 您需要用什麼動詞形式嗎？

You often need the present continuous tense.

您通常要用現在進行式。

You can use the present continuous to talk about the future, even though it’s a present

您可以使用現在進行式來談論 未來，儘管它是一個

tense.

現在時態。

You can use the present continuous to talk about plans if you know where or when something

如果您知道某件事情會在哪裡或什麼 時候發生，您可以使用現在

will happen.

進行式來談論計劃。

Usually, you use it to talk about the near future.

通常來說，您使用它來 談論不久的未來。

However, you can also use it for plans which are further in the future, like holiday plans.

然而，您也能把它用在更遠 未來的計劃，像是假期計劃。

Let’s see some examples of this: Are you going anywhere next summer?

我們來看看這一個重點的一些事例： Are you going anywhere next summer?

We’re going to Cornwall.

We’re going to Cornwall.

It’s the same place we go every year.

It’s the same place we go every year.

I’ve heard it’s beautiful there!

I’ve heard it’s beautiful there!

How long are you staying there?

How long are you staying there?

Just a week.

Just a week.

Are you going in July?

Are you going in July?

I’m thinking about going, just for two or three days.

I’m thinking about going, just for two or three days.

No, we’re going in August.

No, we’re going in August.

Who are you going with?

Who are you going with?

I’m going with two old college friends.

I’m going with two old college friends.

Well, if you come in August, we can show you around!

Well, if you come in August, we can show you around!

I’m working in August, unfortunately.

I’m working in August, unfortunately.

Here, you heard useful questions to ask someone about their vacation plans:

在這裡，您聽到了能用到的問題來問 某人關於他們假期計劃的事情：

Are you going anywhere this summer?

Are you going anywhere this summer?

How long are you staying there?

How long are you staying there?

Who are you going with?

Who are you going with?

Can you answer these three questions?

您可以回答這三個問題嗎？

Pause the video and make your own answers.

暫停影片，並做您自己的回答。

Now, put your answers together in one sentence, like this:

現在，把您的回答整合到 一個句子裡，像是這樣：

I’m going to Egypt for 10 days with a group of friends.

I’m going to Egypt for 10 days with a group of friends.

Next, add some more details about what you’re planning to do!

接下來，添加更多的關於您正 計劃做什麼的細節！

For example:

例如：

I’m going to Egypt for 10 days with a group of friends.

I’m going to Egypt for 10 days with a group of friends.

We’re planning to do some sightseeing around Cairo, then we’re going to do a boat trip

We’re planning to do some sightseeing around Cairo, then we’re going to do a boat trip

on the Nile.

on the Nile.

Can you see something different in this sentence?

您能在這個句子裡看到 某些不同的東西嗎？

We said:

我們說：

We’re planning to do some sightseeing around Cairo.

We’re planning to do some sightseeing around Cairo.

We’re going to do a boat trip on the Nile.

We’re going to do a boat trip on the Nile.

Here, you’re using two verbs: planning to do and going to do.

在這裡，您在使用兩個動詞： 打算去做，以及會去做。

Do you know why?

您知道為什麼嗎？

Let’s see the answer:

我們看看回答：

You use the present continuous to talk about plans if you know

如果您知道某件事情會在哪裡或 什麼時候發生，您使用

where or when something will happen.

現在進行式來談論計劃。

That means you often need the present continuous to talk about plans in the near future.

那意味著您通常需要現在進行式來 談論在不久的未來的計劃。

What about plans in the future if you don’t know exactly where or when things will happen?

如果您不會確切知道事情會在何地或 何時發生，那在未來的計劃怎樣？

Is it true?

Is it true?

You quit?

You quit?

Yes!

Yes!

I’m done with this place, and it feels great!

I’m done with this place, and it feels great!

What are you going to do now?

What are you going to do now?

You know, first of all I’m planning to take some time to rest and recover my energy.

You know, first of all I’m planning to take some time to rest and recover my energy.

I’ve been so stressed the last few months.

I’ve been so stressed the last few months.

Sure, but then how are you going to find a new job?

Sure, but then how are you going to find a new job?

Actually, I’d like to start my own business.

Actually, I’d like to start my own business.

I’m tired of working for other people.

I’m tired of working for other people.

Really?

Really?

What kind of thing are you thinking of doing?

What kind of thing are you thinking of doing?

My dream is to have my own small marketing firm.

My dream is to have my own small marketing firm.

I’m hoping to start with freelancing, and then build up from there.

I’m hoping to start with freelancing, and then build up from there.

Wow—good luck!

Wow—good luck!

Here, you saw useful phrases to talk about plans if you don’t know all the details

在這裡，您看到了如果您還不知道所有 細節時來談論計劃的

yet.

有用的片語。

Do you remember any of the questions and phrases?

您記得任何問題和片語嗎？

Here’s some of the key language you saw:

這裡是您看到的關鍵說法裡的一些：

What are you going to do now?

What are you going to do now?

I’m planning to take some time to rest.

I’m planning to take some time to rest.

I’d like to start my own business.

I’d like to start my own business.

My dream is to have my own marketing firm.

My dream is to have my own marketing firm.

You can change these sentences to fit different situations, like this:

您可以改變這些句子來適應 不同的情形，像是這個：

What are you going to do after you graduate?

What are you going to do after you graduate?

I’m planning to buy an apartment next year.

I’m planning to buy an apartment next year.

I’d like to learn to scuba dive one day.

I’d like to learn to scuba dive one day.

My dream is to live near the sea, where it’s sunny all year round.

My dream is to live near the sea, where it’s sunny all year round.

You can use these to talk about future plans, dreams and ideas.

您可以使用這些來談論未來的 計劃、夢想或想法。

What about you?

那您呢？

What are your plans, dreams and ideas for the future?

您對未來有什麼計劃、 夢想和想法？

Use these templates and make four sentences about your life and your plans.

使用這些模板，造四個與您的生活 和您的計劃有關的句子。

Say the sentences aloud, or write them down, or both!

大聲地唸句子，或者寫下 它們，或者兩者都做！

Now, you know how to talk about all kinds of future plans in English.

現在，您知道怎樣用英文談論 所有類型的未來計劃。

What other things do you need to talk about in the future?

您還能談論未來的什麼 其他事情呢？

What time does the concert start?

What time does the concert start?

8.00, so we need to leave at 6.30.

8.00, so we need to leave at 6.30.

Is there a bus?

Is there a bus?

Yeah, I think it leaves at 6.45, and it gets there around 7.30.

Yeah, I think it leaves at 6.45, and it gets there around 7.30.

What time does it finish?

What time does it finish?

It’s supposed to end at ten.

It’s supposed to end at ten.

The last bus back leaves at 10.15, so we’ll have to hurry.

The last bus back leaves at 10.15, so we’ll have to hurry.

Here, you saw us talking about schedules.

在這裡，您看到我們談論時刻表。

Do you remember what language you heard?

您記得您聽到了什麼講法嗎？

You can use the present simple to talk about future schedules or timetables.

您可以用現在簡單式來談論 未來的班表或時刻表。

For example:

例如：

What time does the concert start?

What time does the concert start?

The bus gets there around 7.30.

The bus gets there around 7.30.

The last bus leaves at 10.15.

The last bus leaves at 10.15.

You can use this to talk about public transport, class timetables, work schedules, events,

您可以用這個來談論公共交通、 課程時刻表、工作班表、

or anything else which runs on a timetable.

活動事件，或者任何其他的基於 一個時刻表運行的事情。

For example:

例如：

Our class starts at eleven thirty.

Our class starts at eleven thirty.

What time is your flight?

What time is your flight?

The wedding is at three.

The wedding is at three.

Now, it’s your turn!

Now, it’s your turn!

Think of three things in your life which run on a timetable.

思考三件在您的生活裡按照 一個時刻表運行的事情。

Make three sentences using the present simple.

使用現在簡單式造三個句子。

Want an extra challenge?

想要一個額外的挑戰嗎？

Make questions and answers, like this:

創造問題並回答問題，像是這樣：

What time does the train leave?

What time does the train leave?

It leaves at five thirty.

It leaves at five thirty.

Pause the video and make your three sentences now.

現在暫停影片，造三個句子。

Again, write them down if you want some extra practice.

同樣，如果您想要一些額外的 練習，寫下它們。

Ooh!

噢！

We forgot something… a very important question.

我們忘記了某一件事… 一個很重要的問題。

Oh?

哦？

What’s that?

那是什麼？

You don’t remember?

您不記得了？

At the beginning: who’s going to win the next World Cup?

在開始時：who’s going to win the next World Cup?

What do you think?

您怎麼想？

Maybe you said something like:

也許您像這樣來講某些事情：

Italy will win.

Italy will win.

I hope Russia will win, but I don’t think they actually will.

I hope Russia will win, but I don’t think they actually will.

England definitely won’t win it.

England definitely won’t win it.

To make predictions about the future, you can use will or won’t.

要對未來做預測，您可以用 “will”或“won’t”。

You can also use going to.

您也可以用“going to”。

You generally use going to for predictions that are not so far in the future:

“going to”一般用於對 不久的未來的預測：

It’s going to rain—look at those clouds.

It’s going to rain—look at those clouds.

What do you think is going to happen next?

What do you think is going to happen next?

He’s going to be unhappy when he finds out about this.

He’s going to be unhappy when he finds out about this.

That said, don’t worry about the difference between will and going to here.

那是說，在這裡，不要擔心“will” 與“going to”之間的區別。

You can use both freely—no one will notice.

您可以隨意使用這兩個 — 沒有人會注意。

You can also use many other phrases to make predictions.

您也可以使用很多其他的 片語來做預測。

Let’s look: So, do you think they’ll do it?

我們來看看： So, do you think they’ll do it?

Michelle will definitely do it.

Michelle will definitely do it.

There’s no chance Andy is going to finish.

There’s no chance Andy is going to finish.

He doesn’t look like he can run to the bus stop, so I can’t believe he’ll run 26

He doesn’t look like he can run to the bus stop, so I can’t believe he’ll run 26

miles.

miles.

I don’t know.

I don’t know.

He’s been training hard.

He’s been training hard.

He’s unlikely to get a fast time, but I’m pretty sure he’ll do it.

He’s unlikely to get a fast time, but I’m pretty sure he’ll do it.

Well, anyway, we can agree that Michelle is sure to be much faster!

Well, anyway, we can agree that Michelle is sure to be much faster!

Yeah, of course.

Yeah, of course.

Do you think she’ll do it in under three hours?

Do you think she’ll do it in under three hours?

It’s not likely that she’ll do it that fast.

It’s not likely that she’ll do it that fast.

Under three hours for a marathon is quick.

Under three hours for a marathon is quick.

But, she’s bound to get under four hours.

But, she’s bound to get under four hours.

That’s still a good time.

That’s still a good time.

There, we were talking about two people running a marathon, and making predictions about how

這裡，我們正在談論兩個正在跑 馬拉松的人，預測

they would do.

他們會做得怎樣。

Apart from will and going to, did you notice any other language we used to make predictions

除了“will”和“going to”，您留意 到我們用來做預測未來的

about the future?

任何其他說法嗎？

Firstly, you can modify will or going to by adding an adverb, like this:

首先，您可以通過添加一個副詞來修改 “will”或“going to”，像是這樣：

She’ll definitely do it.

She’ll definitely do it.

There’s no chance he’s going to finish.

There’s no chance he’s going to finish.

I’m pretty sure he’ll do it.

I’m pretty sure he’ll do it.

In this way, you can show that you’re more or less sure about your prediction.

用這種方式，您可以表明您更確信 您的預測，或不太確信。

You also heard some other phrases you can use to make predictions in the future:

您也聽到了一些可以用來做 未來預測的其他片語：

He’s unlikely to get a fast time.

He’s unlikely to get a fast time.

She’s sure to be much faster.

She’s sure to be much faster.

It’s not likely that she’ll do it that fast.

It’s not likely that she’ll do it that fast.

She’s bound to get under four hours.

She’s bound to get under four hours.

Likely has a similar meaning to probable.

“Likely”有一個與“probable” 類似的意思。

Be careful, because likely is an adjective, not an adverb.

注意，因為“likely”是一個 形容詞，不是一個副詞。

So, if you say He’s unlikely to get a fast time, you mean that he’ll probably be quite

所以，如果您說“He’s unlikely to get a fast time”，

slow.

您的意思是有可能會很慢。

Sure to and bound to both mean that you’re absolutely certain about something.

“Sure to”和“bound to”兩者 意思是您絕對確定某件事情。

You can use them to emphasise how sure you are.

您可以使用它們來強調 您是怎樣確定的。

These phrases are a little less common.

這些片語是不太常用的。

However, they are good to know, so you can add variety to your spoken English.

然而，知道它們是很好的，這樣您可以 給您的英文口說增加多樣性。

Let’s see how you could use these phrases in some other ways:

我們看看您可以怎麼用一些其他的 方式來使用這些片語：

They’re unlikely to hire you if you have so little experience.

They’re unlikely to hire you if you have so little experience.

It’s exactly your kind of film—you’re sure to like it.

It’s exactly your kind of film—you’re sure to like it.

It’s not likely that I’ll wake up before nine.

It’s not likely that I’ll wake up before nine.

He’s a really good cook; whatever he makes, it’s bound to be delicious.

He’s a really good cook; whatever he makes, it’s bound to be delicious.

Note also that likely can be used with both a positive and a negative meaning.

也要留意“likely”可以用於 肯定意思和否定意思。

You can say It’s unlikely that… or He’s not likely to…

您能說“It’s unlikely that…”或者 “He’s not likely to…”

However, sure to and bound to are always positive.

然而，“sure to”和“bound to”總是肯定的意思。

Now, it’s your turn!

現在，輪到您了。

Pause the video and make four predictions about the future.

暫停影片，做四個有關 未來的預測。

You could make predictions about the weather, sport, your life, or anything you like!

您可以做有關天氣、體育、您的生活， 或任何您喜歡的事情的預測！

Make four sentences, say them aloud, and write them down if you want extra practice.

造四個句子，大聲地唸它們，如果您 想要額外的練習，把它們寫下來。

Done?

做好了嗎？

Next, let’s look at one more topic you need to talk about the future.

接下來，我們再看一個您用來 談論未來的主題。

Up to now, you’ve learned how to talk about things in the future that you are certain

到現在，您學到了怎樣 談論您確定的未來的

about.

事情。

However, the future is often uncertain.

然而，未來通常是不確定的。

How can you express this when you speak English?

在您講英文時，您怎樣表達這點？

Let’s look: So, do you have any idea when you’ll have

我們來看看： So, do you have any idea when you’ll have

finished everything?

finished everything?

It really depends.

It really depends.

It may be ready next week if everything goes well.

It may be ready next week if everything goes well.

We really need it done sooner.

We really need it done sooner.

The thing is, it’s possible that we’ll have to replace some of the artwork.

The thing is, it’s possible that we’ll have to replace some of the artwork.

That could take a few days.

That could take a few days.

Ok, I have to ask: why are you making such big changes so late?

Ok, I have to ask: why are you making such big changes so late?

For a project like this, those details should be finalised by now.

For a project like this, those details should be finalised by now.

We had some issues, but anyway, let’s focus on what we can do now.

We had some issues, but anyway, let’s focus on what we can do now.

Perhaps we won’t need to change anything.

Perhaps we won’t need to change anything.

In that case, it’ll definitely be finished by the end of next week.

In that case, it’ll definitely be finished by the end of next week.

Even that’s too late.

Even that’s too late.

Look, you need to sort this out.

Look, you need to sort this out.

Maybe I’ll work overtime this weekend.

Maybe I’ll work overtime this weekend.

That might help.

That might help.

Just do what you have to.

Just do what you have to.

In this dialogue, I was an employee, and I wasn’t very sure about a lot of things.

在這個對話裡，我是一個員工， 我對太多的事情都不是很確定。

I used different words and phrases to show that I wasn’t sure.

我使用很多不同的單字和片語來 表明我不確定。

Do you remember any of them?

您記得它們裡面的任何一些嗎？

You can use a modal verb like may, might or could.

您可能使用一個情態助動詞，像是 “may”、“might”或者“could”。

For example:

例如：

It may be ready next week.

It may be ready next week.

That could take a few days.

That could take a few days.

That might help.

That might help.

You can also use will with an adverb like perhaps or maybe.

您也能用一個副詞搭配“will”，像是 “perhaps”或“maybe”。

This has the same meaning as using verbs like might or could.

在使用動詞像是“might”或“could” 時，這有同樣的意思。

For example:

例如：

Perhaps we won’t need to change anything.

Perhaps we won’t need to change anything.

Maybe I’ll work overtime this weekend.

Maybe I’ll work overtime this weekend.

Finally, you can use the phrase it’s possible that…, like this:

最後，您可以使用片語“it’s possible that…”，像這樣：

It’s possible that we’ll have to replace some of the artwork.

It’s possible that we’ll have to replace some of the artwork.

As with all of these sentences, you can change them to express your own ideas.

和這些所有的句子一樣，您可以 改變它們來表達您自己的想法。

For example:

例如：

I may be away next week.

I may be away next week.

Taking a warm coat might be a good idea.

Taking a warm coat might be a good idea.

Perhaps I’ll go to the park for a walk this afternoon.

Perhaps I’ll go to the park for a walk this afternoon.

It’s possible that she didn’t see your message.

It’s possible that she didn’t see your message.

Now, you hopefully understand many different ways to talk about the future in English.

現在，希望您能夠理解用英文談論 未來的很多不同的方法。

For more practice with this topic, check out the full version of the lesson on our website:

想要更多的與這一主題有關的練習，在我們的 網站上查看課程的完整版本：

Oxford Online English dot com.

Oxford Online English dot com.

The full lesson includes a quiz to help you practice these ideas.

包括一個隨堂小測驗在內的 完整課程會幫助您練習這些概念。

Thanks for watching!

感謝觀看！

See you next time!

下次見！