Published at February 17, 2025

Course on Future with Modals - TOEIC® Preparation

TOP-Students™

In English, the future is not limited to the use of will or the be going to structure. Modals (or semi-modals) like can, could, may, might, must, should, shall, etc., also allow expressing different degrees of probability, possibility, obligation, or advice, while referring to a future action.

In this course, we will study these modals and their uses in the future in detail, then we will see how they differ from more classic future forms (will, be going to).

1. Expressing the future with « shall »

The modal « shall » is historically the future verb for the first person (I, we), but in modern usage, it is largely replaced by will.

However, it remains present in more formal registers or to make polite proposals, especially in questions:

I shall see you tomorrow.
(Very formal or literary for saying "I will see you tomorrow.")

2. Expressing the future with « can » / « could »

A. « can »

The modal « can » is usually used to express ability or permission in the present, but « can » can also refer to a future ability/possibility.

I can start working on that project tomorrow.
We can meet you at the airport next week.

Although the verb form is identical to the present, the context « tomorrow » or « next week » anchors these actions in the future.

B. « could »

The modal « could » is the past of « can », but it also serves to express a more hypothetical future possibility, or to make an offer/proposal more politely.

We could discuss the details next Monday if you are available.
I could send you the documents later this week.

C. « can » & « could » VS « will »

In comparison with « will », « can » and « could » emphasize ability or possibility rather than the idea of a future "already decided".

3. Expressing the future with « may » / « might »

A. « may »

The modal « may » expresses a probability (often medium or reasonable) or permission. In the future, « may » indicates that it is possible for an event to occur, without absolute certainty.

He may arrive tomorrow.
We may announce the results next week.

B. « might »

The modal « might » is also used to express a probability, but often in a weaker or more uncertain degree than « may ». « May » and « might » are interchangeable in some contexts, but « might » really suggests greater uncertainty.

They might visit us next month.
I might apply for that position next year.

C. « may » & « might » VS « will »

In comparison with « will », « may » and « might » emphasize that this future is really uncertain.

4. Expressing the future with « must » / « have to »

A. « must »

The modal « must » expresses a strong obligation, an almost inevitable necessity. When talking about a future action, it emphasizes that the action must absolutely be accomplished.

We must finish this report by tomorrow.
She must attend the meeting next week.

B. « have to »

The phrase « have to » also expresses obligation, but it is more commonly used to form an explicit future: will have to + base verb.

I will have to study hard for the TOEIC® next month.
They will have to pay the invoice by Friday.

5. Expressing the future with « should » / « ought to »

A. « should »

The modal « should » expresses advice, a recommendation, or something that should happen (basically, something that is logically expected).

You should call your boss tomorrow.
They should finish the project next week if everything goes well.

B. « ought to »

The phrase « ought to » is similar to « should », but it is more formal and less common in everyday language.

He ought to receive his visa next month.

6. Expressing the future with « likely to » / « certain to »

Another way to talk about the future is to use the structure be + (un)likely/certain + to + base verb. Here, the present form of be (is/are/’s) is used, even if referring to a future event:

The company is certain to launch its new product next quarter.
Real estate prices are likely to increase over the next few years.
The local government is unlikely to reduce taxes this year.

It is important to note that here, the present (is/are/'s) is used, not « will be likely to », even if referring to a future event!

7. Words to express degrees of future probability

There are words that serve to modulate the probability that a future event will occur.

100% chance it will happen: « will definitely »
- Self-driving cars will definitely become more advanced.
70 - 80% chance it will happen: « will probably »
- Robots will probably perform most household chores.
50% chance it will happen: « perhaps » / « maybe »
- Perhaps people will be able to take virtual vacations.
20 / 30% chance it will happen: « probably won’t »
- Scientists probably won’t find a cure for every disease yet.
0% chance it will happen: « definitely won’t »
- Humans definitely won’t build permanent cities on Mars so soon.

8. The nuances

Certainty vs. Uncertainty
- Will expresses a certain future (or presented as such).
- May/might/could express different gradations of possibility, from the most probable (may) to the most hypothetical (might/could).
Obligation vs. Determination
- Must or will have to express a future necessity.
- Will does not express obligation, but rather a simple future fact or a will (« I will do »).
Advice or suggestions
- Should/ought to indicate what is advised or desirable.
- Will does not express advice but an intention or a prediction.

Conclusion

The future in English is therefore not limited to the use of will or be going to. Modals can, may, might, must, should, shall, etc., allow adding essential nuances: possibility, permission, obligation, probability, advice…

Can/Could: Future possibility or ability.
May/Might: More or less strong probability.
Must/Have to: Necessity or obligation.
Should/Ought to: Advice or recommendation.
Shall: Very formal future or suggestions (especially in questions).

To succeed in the TOEIC®, it is important to recognize and understand these nuances, as they will help you understand the speaker's intentions in the audio part and the important information in documents or dialogues.

There are also other future forms that you must also master, here are the courses on other future forms: