2. Future Phrases

The following lesson is a collection of phrases that express something we will do in the future.

 1. I'm trying + (verb)

 'I am trying' informs someone that you are attempting to accomplish something using bodily, mental, or spiritual strength. By adding a verb to 'I'm trying' you are pointing out exactly what it is you are attempting to do.

 Here are some examples:

"I'm trying to get a job."

"I'm trying to call my family."

"I'm trying to enjoy my dinner."

 

You may also hear the word 'trying' used to express a way someone is feeling. In this manner, it expresses strain or distress.

 

Here are some examples:

"Learning new things can be trying on you."

"That marathon was very trying on me."

 

2. I'm gonna + (verb)

 

The word 'gonna' is incorrect grammatically. The equivalent in proper grammar would be 'going to.' When using the word 'gonna' you are telling someone what you are planning to do at that moment or in the near future.

 

Here are some examples:

"I'm gonna have some coffee."

"I'm gonna go to work."

"I'm gonna eat some cake."

 

3. I have to + (verb)

 

The words 'have to' describe something that needs to take place soon. It expresses certainty, necessity, or obligation.

 

Here are some examples:

"I have to switch schools."

"I have to use the telephone."

"I have to go to the bathroom."

 

You can also add the word 'don't' to suggest that someone is not required to do something.

 

4. I wanna + (verb)

 

The word 'wanna' is incorrect grammatically. It is equivalent to 'want to.' When combined with the word 'I' it helps communicate something you want to do.

 

Here are some examples:

"I wanna talk."

"I wanna search for a job."

"I wanna order some food."

 

By adding the word 'don't' you can change the meaning of what you are saying to something you 'want' to do to something you 'do not' want to do.

 

Here are some examples:

"I don't wanna talk."

"I don't wanna search for a job."

"I don't wanna marry her."

 

5. I gotta + (verb)

 

'I gotta' is grammatically incorrect. It is more of a spoken form. If you want to say this with proper grammar, the equivalent would be, 'I have got to' or 'I've got to'. In the spoken form, 'got to' is shortened to 'gotta' and the word 'have' is dropped.

 

Here are some examples:

"I gotta manage my money."

"I gotta obey the laws."

"I gotta move to a bigger house."

 

By adding the word 'have' you can change what you are saying to express something that needs to be done in the near future.

 

Here are some examples:

"I have got to be on time to work."

"I've gotta try harder at school."

 

6. I would like to + (verb)

 

This sentence lets someone know what you would be interested in doing. This can be a physical, mental or verbal action.

 

Here are some examples:

 

"I would like to answer that question."

"I would like to compete in a cooking contest."

"I would like to explain myself."

 

7. I plan to + (verb)

 

'Plan to' describes something that you would like to do in the near future.

 

Here are some examples:

"I plan to find a new apartment."

"I plan to relax on vacation."

"I plan to surprise my parents."

 

 

8. I've decided to + (verb)

 

'I've' is short for 'I have' and including the word 'decided' you are stating that you have made a decision or come to a conclusion.

 

Here are some examples:

"I've decided to accept the job."

"I've decided to complete my degree."

"I've decided to change my bad habits."

 

Practice

Let's practice with the following phrases

1.I'm trying

2.I'm gonna

3.I have to

4.I wanna

5.I gotta

6.I would like to

7.I plan to

8.I've decided to 

 

I'm trying + (verb)

"I'm trying to educate myself."

"I'm trying to explain myself."

"I'm trying new food."

"I'm trying to eat healthy."

"I'm trying to understand."

 

I'm gonna + (verb)

"I'm gonna send out my resume."

"I'm gonna run a marathon."

"I'm gonna ask her out for dinner."

"I'm gonna stop smoking."

"I'm gonna help my friends."

"I'm gonna take swim lessons."

"I'm gonna read a book."

 

I have to + (verb)

"I have to leave."

"I have to unpack my bags."

 

I wanna + (verb)

"I wanna marry her."

"I wanna listen to that song."

"I don't wanna listen to that song."

"I don't wanna order some food."

I gotta + (verb)

"I gotta impress my boss."

"I gotta brush my teeth."

"I've gotta tell my wife I'll be late."

"I've gotta learn more about the laws."

"I've gotta clean my house today."

 

I would like to + (verb)

"I would like to invite you over."

"I would like to practice."

"I would like to become a doctor."

"I would like to see you more often."

"I would like to thank you."

"I would like to learn about animals."

"I would like to meet the President."

 

I plan to + (verb)

"I plan to wash my car."

"I plan to adopt a child."

"I plan to impress my boss."

"I plan to watch a movie."

"I plan to save more money."

"I plan to read a book."

"I plan to learn new things."

 

I've decided to + (verb)

"I've decided to extend my membership at the gym."

"I've decided to form a chess club."

"I've decided to hand over my responsibilities."

"I've decided to help you move."

"I've decided to interview for the job."

"I've decided to increase my work load."

"I've decided to manage a store."