41.4. Simple Future Tense (will, going to): Simple future tense in negative sentences

The Simple Future Tense is a crucial part of English grammar, especially for beginners striving to communicate effectively about future events. In this section, we will delve into the negative form of the simple future tense, exploring the two primary ways to express future actions that will not occur: using "will not" (or "won't") and "going to not" (or "not going to"). Understanding how to form and use these structures will enhance your ability to convey future intentions, plans, and predictions with clarity and precision.

Understanding "Will Not" (Won't)

The auxiliary verb "will" is commonly used to form the simple future tense. To make it negative, we simply add "not" after "will." The contraction form "won't" is often used in spoken and informal written English. Here’s how you structure a sentence:

• Subject + will not + base form of the verb
• Subject + won't + base form of the verb

For example:

• I will not go to the party tomorrow.
• She won't finish her homework tonight.
• They will not attend the meeting next week.
• He won't buy a new car this year.

In these examples, "will not" and "won't" are used to express actions that the subject does not intend to perform in the future. The choice between "will not" and "won't" often depends on the level of formality and the speaker's preference.

Understanding "Going to Not" (Not Going to)

The phrase "going to" is another way to express future actions, often used for planned events or intentions. To make it negative, we place "not" before "going to." Here’s the structure:

• Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base form of the verb

For example:

• I am not going to travel next month.
• She is not going to watch the movie tonight.
• We are not going to participate in the competition.
• He is not going to cook dinner this evening.

In these sentences, "am not going to," "is not going to," and "are not going to" indicate that the subjects have no intention of performing the actions in the future. This form is particularly useful when discussing plans or decisions that have been made.

Comparing "Will Not" and "Going to Not"

While both "will not" and "going to not" express future negation, they are not always interchangeable. The choice between them can depend on the context and the nuance of meaning you wish to convey:

• Use "will not" (won't) for:
  • Spontaneous decisions: "I won't eat that dessert."
  • Predictions based on opinions: "It won't rain tomorrow."
  • Promises or refusals: "I promise I won't tell anyone your secret."
• Use "going to not" (not going to) for:
  • Planned actions: "I am not going to visit my grandparents this weekend."
  • Intentions: "She is not going to attend the concert."
  • Predictions based on evidence: "Look at those clouds; it is not going to be sunny."

Practice Exercises

To master the negative form of the simple future tense, practice is essential. Try forming negative sentences using both "will not" and "going to not" with the following prompts:

1. John / call you later.
2. We / play soccer this afternoon.
3. They / complete the project on time.
4. I / eat out tonight.
5. She / attend the conference next month.

Answers:

1. John will not call you later. / John is not going to call you later.
2. We will not play soccer this afternoon. / We are not going to play soccer this afternoon.
3. They will not complete the project on time. / They are not going to complete the project on time.
4. I will not eat out tonight. / I am not going to eat out tonight.
5. She will not attend the conference next month. / She is not going to attend the conference next month.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning the negative form of the simple future tense, beginners might encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Misplacing "not": Ensure "not" is placed correctly in the sentence. For example, "I not will go" is incorrect. It should be "I will not go."
• Confusing "will not" and "going to not": Remember the context in which each form is used. "Will not" is often for spontaneous decisions and promises, while "going to not" is for planned actions and intentions.
• Forgetting the auxiliary verb: In "going to not" sentences, do not forget the auxiliary verb "am/is/are." For example, "I not going to travel" is incorrect. It should be "I am not going to travel."

Conclusion

Mastering the simple future tense in its negative form is a vital step for English learners at the A1 level. By understanding and practicing the use of "will not" and "going to not," you will be able to express future intentions and plans with confidence and accuracy. Remember to pay attention to the context in which each form is used and practice regularly to avoid common mistakes. With these skills, you will be well-equipped to discuss future events and actions that will not occur, enhancing your overall communication abilities in English.

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111Simple Future Tense (will, going to): Forming questions with 'will' and 'going to'

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