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Introduction

The future simple is a tense that expresses an action that will take place in the future. It is very simple to form for verbs of the first group (those ending in -er in the infinitive).

Formation of the Future Simple

To conjugate a first group verb in the future simple, follow these steps:

1. Take the verb in the infinitive (e.g., parler)
2. Add the future endings directly: -ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont

Examples of First Group Verbs in Future Simple

• Aimer (to love): J'aimerai, tu aimeras, il/elle aimera, nous aimerons, vous aimerez, ils/elles aimeront
• Chanter (to sing): Je chanterai, tu chanteras, il/elle chantera, nous chanterons, vous chanterez, ils/elles chanteront
• Danser (to dance): Je danserai, tu danseras, il/elle dansera, nous danserons, vous danserez, ils/elles danseront
• Jouer (to play): Je jouerai, tu joueras, il/elle jouera, nous jouerons, vous jouerez, ils/elles joueront

Uses of the Future Simple

The future simple is used to:

• Express an action that will happen in the future:
  Example: Demain, je travaillerai toute la journée. (Tomorrow, I will work all day.)
• Make a prediction or supposition:
  Example: Il fera beau ce weekend. (It will be nice this weekend.)
• Give an order or instruction politely:
  Example: Vous fermerez la porte en sortant. (You will close the door when leaving.)
• Express a promise or commitment:
  Example: Je t'appellerai demain sans faute. (I will call you tomorrow without fail.)

Particularities

Some first group verbs have spelling peculiarities in the future simple:

• Verbs in -yer change "y" to "i" before a mute "e":
  Example: payer → je paierai (or je payerai, both forms are accepted)
• Verbs in -eler and -eter generally double the consonant:
  Example: appeler → j'appellerai, jeter → je jetterai
• Some verbs in -eler and -eter take a grave accent instead of doubling the consonant:
  Example: acheter → j'achèterai, geler → je gèlerai
• Verbs in -éer, -ouer, -uer keep their final "e":
  Example: créer → je créerai, jouer → je jouerai

Time Indicators for the Future

Here are some expressions commonly used with the future simple:

• Demain (Tomorrow)
• La semaine prochaine (Next week)
• Le mois prochain (Next month)
• L'année prochaine (Next year)
• Dans deux jours / trois semaines / un mois (In two days / three weeks / one month)
• Plus tard (Later)
• Bientôt (Soon)

Interactive Exercise