How is the futur simple formed?
The futur simple corresponds to English “will + verb”, but it is a single word with no helper verb: je parlerai (I will speak).
The endings are the same for every verb. They are the present tense of avoir, without the av- in nous and vous.
parler (to speak) in the futur simple
| Person | parler | cf. avoir |
|---|---|---|
| je | parlerai | j’ai |
| tu | parleras | tu as |
| il / elle / on | parlera | il a |
| nous | parlerons | nous avons |
| vous | parlerez | vous avez |
| ils / elles | parleront | ils ont |
Ending = present tense of avoir
Verbs in -er, -ir and -re
With verbs in -er and -ir, the infinitive stays whole: parlerai, finirai.
Tu parleras français couramment.
You will speak French fluently.
Tu finiras tes études bientôt.
You will finish your studies soon.
Ils vendront leur voiture.
They will sell their car.
What is the futur simple used for?
Plans and promises
Demain, je travaillerai à la maison.
Tomorrow I will work from home.
L’année prochaine, nous voyagerons en France.
Next year we will travel to France.
Je te téléphonerai ce soir.
I will call you tonight.
Predictions
Il neigera demain matin.
It will snow tomorrow morning.
Tu réussiras ton examen.
You will pass your exam.
In conversation, the near, settled future is often said with the futur proche, like English “going to”: je vais partir. The futur simple fits promises, predictions and plans that are further away.
