Language Point for the Day

'Will...'

       Level:   High B1/B2      

Most learners of English know that 'will' is used to express certain aspects of the future- spontaneous decisions, predictions, promises, etc.

However, it can also be used to talk about the present. Look at the following sentences:

• She is sleeping at the moment. This is an action in progress now.      

                     but

• She'll be sleeping at the moment.   

                     (will + be + ...ing)

         

        Says that the speaker thinks she is sleeping now.

• She will have finished work by now.  

                        (will + have + Past Participle)

          

           Says her work is completed now 
          
           (we use the preposition 'by' before the time expression).

• He uses his mobile when he's eating. 

          Describes a habit.

                   but

• He will use his mobile when he's eating. 

                   (will + first form of the verb/infinitive)

        Implies that this habit annoys/irritates you 
        
        (in a sentence like this the 'will' is stressed.)         

So more confirmation that in English there are always exceptions... No exceptions.