PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
ਕਾਲ (Tenses) · ਫ਼ਿਊਚਰ ਸਿੰਪਲ
Master the nuance between immediate spoken future and formal written future for TEF and TCF Canada.
Use Futur Proche (aller + infinitive) for immediate events, imminent actions, or spoken conversation (Je vais téléphoner). Use Futur Simple (infinitive + -ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont) for formal written French, distant future predictions, or Type 1 Si clauses.
Futur Proche dominates spoken TEF Section A; Futur Simple elevates written TEF Task B essays.
Je **vais appeler** le médecin tout de suite. (Futur proche)
I'm going to call the doctor right away.
Dans dix ans, nous **habiterons** à Montréal. (Futur simple)
In ten years, we will live in Montreal.
Si la loi passe, les impôts **augmenteront**. (Futur simple after Si + Présent)
If the law passes, taxes will increase.
Avoid this
Si tu seras là, je viendrai.
Say this instead
Si tu es là, je viendrai.
Why: Never put Futur Simple directly after 'Si'! Use Present indicative in the Si clause: 'Si + Présent -> Futur Simple'.
Going to do (Near) vs Will do (Far/Formal)!
Rule of thumb: Near in time or spoken -> Futur Proche (Je vais). Far in time or formal writing -> Futur Simple (Je ferai).
In TEF Writing Task A news stories, use Futur Simple for official announcements: 'Le ministre inaugurera le centre le mois prochain'.
Don’t just read examples. Practice with real exam-style questions and get feedback.
Recommended next lesson
Futur Simple