Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

Û

also 388 Shall

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Predictions

Will

is used to make predictions about the future or deductions about a present

situation from the available evidence:

I think we

’ll do it but it won’t be easy.

If she gets the right grades, she

’ll go to university.

That

’ll be Jim at the door.

(deduction about the present situation: it is very likely that the person

knocking/ringing at the door is Jim)

Will

is used to make general predictions about things that always happen:

Dry twigs 

will burn easily.

A dog 

will growl when it’s angry or frightened.

Habitual events

Will

is used to refer to habitual events:

On a Friday night we

’ll get a take-away and we’ll just relax.

✪

Intentions and offers

Will

is used to express intentions or decisions. The present simple form is not

used in such situations:

[in a photo shop; A is the assistant]

A: I’m afraid they won’t be ready till three o’clock.

B: Okay. Er, I’ll come back at three.

(intention/decision to act)

(Okay. I come back at three.)

Will

is used to express degrees of willingness to do something, and is often used

to make offers. The present simple form is not used in such situations:

I

’ll carry that for you.

(I carry that for you.)

I 

won’t lend him any money. Why should I?

(I don’t lend him any money.)