Reminder:
The simple future is used to express something that will happen in the future. It is usually translated by 'will' in English. However, there is no word for 'will' in French, instead we use specific endings.
The simple future is formed from the infinitive to which we add the following endings:
| je | -ai |
| tu | -as |
| il /elle /on | -a |
| nous | -ons |
| vous | -ez |
| ils /elles | -ont |
Ex: (étudier) J'étudierai le français à l'université. I will study French at university.
Note: For RE verbs, you need first to remove the 'e' and then add on the endings.
Ex: (prendre - to take) Je prendrai une année sabbatique. = I will take a gap year.
There are quite a few irregular verbs for the future tense; the endings remain the same but they are not formed from the infinitive. Here are some main ones in the I form:
Faire = to do/make: je ferai.
Aller = to go: j'irai.
Être = to be: je serai.
Avoir = to have: j'aurai.
Pouvoir = can: je pourrai.
Dire = to say: je dirai.
Vouloir = to want: je voudrai
Ex: (faire - to do) Elle fera un stage à l'étranger. She will do a work experience abroad.
Test your understanding below with a quick starter question!