Future Tense Will and Shall for Kids: Rules, Examples and Exercises (Ages 7–12)

 

Future Tense Using Will and Shall: Easy English Grammar Explanation, Examples and Exercises for Kids (Ages 7–12)

Learning English grammar becomes easier when children understand how to use different tenses in everyday conversations and writing. One important grammar topic for primary school students is the future tense using will and shall.

Children use the future tense when they talk about things that have not happened yet. They may discuss their plans, make predictions, promise something, or explain what they intend to do in the future.

For example:

• I will visit my grandmother tomorrow.

• She will complete her homework.

• We shall begin our journey soon.

In this English grammar guide, children aged 7–9 and 10–12 will learn the rules of using will and shall, understand positive and negative sentences, practise asking questions, and complete 20 future tense exercises with answers.

Whether your child is studying in an elementary school in the USA, UK, Canada, or another English-speaking country, these simple explanations and examples will help develop a strong foundation in English grammar.

1. What Is the Future Tense?

The future tense is used to describe an action or event that will happen after the present time.

In simple words, when we talk about something that has not happened yet, we often use the future tense.

Examples:

1. I will play football tomorrow.

2. My mother will cook dinner tonight.

3. They will visit the zoo next Sunday.

4. We shall go to the park.

5. He will become a doctor one day.

Look at these time expressions. They often help us identify future actions:

• Tomorrow

• Next week

• Next month

• Next year

• Soon

• Later

• In the future

• Tonight

Remember: The future tense tells us about actions or events that are expected to happen later.

2. What Are Will and Shall?

Will and shall are helping verbs used to form the simple future tense.

They are followed by the base form of the main verb.

For example:

• I will eat.

• She will dance.

• They will study.

• We shall travel.

Notice that the main verb does not change after will or shall.

We say:

• She will play. (Correct)

• She will plays. (Incorrect)

• He will go. (Correct)

• He will goes. (Incorrect)

Important Rule:

Subject + will/shall + base form of the verb + remaining sentence.

Examples:

• I will read a story.

• She will buy a new dress.

• We shall attend the meeting.

3. How to Use Will in the Future Tense

In modern English, will is commonly used with all subjects, including I, we, you, he, she, it, and they.

It is the most common helping verb for expressing future actions.

A. Making Predictions

We use will when we predict something that may happen in the future.

Examples:

• It will rain tomorrow.

• Our team will win the match.

• She will become a good singer.

• The weather will be sunny next week.

• Technology will change our lives.

B. Expressing Promises

We use will when we promise to do something.

Examples:

• I will help you with your homework.

• I will never tell a lie.

• We will take care of your pet.

• I will call you in the evening.

C. Making Quick Decisions

We often use will when we decide to do something at the moment of speaking.

Examples:

• The phone is ringing. I will answer it.

• I am hungry. I will make a sandwich.

• You look tired. I will help you.

• It is cold. I will close the window.

D. Offering Help

Will is also used when offering assistance.

Examples:

• I will carry your bag.

• We will help you clean the room.

• I will explain this question to you.

4. How to Use Shall in the Future Tense

Traditionally, shall was used with I and we to express future actions.

Examples:

• I shall visit my uncle tomorrow.

• We shall complete the project next week.

• We shall return home soon.

However, modern English commonly uses will with all subjects, including I and we.

For example:

• I will visit my uncle tomorrow.

• We will complete the project next week.

Both forms are grammatically correct.

Today, shall is more commonly used in certain situations, especially in formal English, offers, and suggestions.

A. Making Suggestions

We often use shall when asking for suggestions or proposing an activity.

Examples:

• Shall we go to the park?

• Shall we start our homework?

• Shall we play a game?

• Shall we watch a movie tonight?

B. Offering Something

Shall can be used when offering to do something for another person.

Examples:

• Shall I open the door?

• Shall I help you with your bags?

• Shall I bring you a glass of water?

• Shall I switch on the lights?

C. Formal Statements

Shall is sometimes used in formal English, especially in official documents and rules.

Example:

• Students shall follow the school rules.

For young learners, remember this simple guideline:

Will is commonly used to talk about future actions, promises, and predictions.

Shall is often used with I and we when making offers or suggestions.

5. Positive Sentences Using Will and Shall

Positive sentences tell us that something will happen.

Sentence structure:

Subject + will/shall + base verb + object.

Examples:

Subject	Helping verb	Sentence
I	will	I will study tonight.
He	will	He will play cricket.
She	will	She will dance tomorrow.
They	will	They will visit us.
We	shall	We shall meet soon.

More examples:

1. My father will buy a new car.

2. The children will participate in the competition.

3. I will complete my homework.

4. We shall celebrate the festival.

5. The teacher will explain the lesson.

6. Negative Sentences Using Will and Shall

Negative sentences tell us that something will not happen.

To make a negative sentence, add not after will or shall.

Sentence structure:

Subject + will/shall + not + base verb + remaining sentence.

Examples:

• I will not go to school tomorrow.

• She will not attend the party.

• They will not play outside.

• We shall not waste our time.

• He will not forget your birthday.

The short forms are:

• Will not = Won't

• Shall not = Shan't

Examples:

• I won't eat junk food.

• She won't come today.

• We shan't be late.

Won't is much more common in everyday English than shan't.

7. Interrogative Sentences Using Will and Shall

Interrogative sentences are questions.

To make a question, place will or shall before the subject.

Sentence structure:

Will/Shall + subject + base verb + remaining sentence + question mark?

Examples:

• Will you come tomorrow?

• Will she attend the class?

• Will they win the competition?

• Shall we go shopping?

• Shall I help you?

How to Answer These Questions

Question: Will you visit your grandmother?

Answer: Yes, I will.

Question: Will he come to school tomorrow?

Answer: No, he won't.

Question: Shall we start the game?

Answer: Yes, let's.

8. Difference Between Will and Shall

Children sometimes get confused about when to use will and shall.

Here is a simple comparison:

Will	Shall
Used commonly with all subjects.	Often used with I and we in traditional future constructions.
Used for predictions.	Often used for suggestions.
Used for promises.	Often used for offers.
Used for quick decisions.	Can be used in formal English.

Examples:

• I will complete my homework.

• Shall I help you?

• They will visit the museum.

• Shall we go for a walk?

Remember that in modern everyday English, will is generally preferred for ordinary future statements.

9. Future Tense Practice for Kids (Ages 7–9)

Young learners should begin with simple sentences and familiar vocabulary.

Ask children to complete sentences using will or shall.

Examples:

1. I will eat an apple.

2. She will go to school.

3. We shall play outside.

4. They will visit the zoo.

5. Shall I open the window?

Parents and teachers can also encourage children to make five sentences about what they will do tomorrow.

For example:

• I will wake up early.

• I will brush my teeth.

• I will go to school.

• I will play with my friends.

• I will read a story.

This activity connects grammar learning with everyday life.

10. Advanced Future Tense Practice for Kids (Ages 10–12)

Older children can practise more complex sentences and understand how will and shall are used in different situations.

Examples:

1. The scientists will discover new ways to protect the environment.

2. Our school will organise a science exhibition next month.

3. I will complete the assignment before Friday.

4. Shall we discuss the project after lunch?

5. Shall I explain the instructions again?

Encourage students to write a short paragraph about their future ambitions using at least five sentences with will.

This improves grammar, sentence construction, and writing skills simultaneously.

11. Future Tense Exercise: 20 Questions with Answers

Test your understanding of the simple future tense using the following exercise.

Part A: Fill in the blanks

Choose the correct helping verb or form to complete each sentence.

1. I _____ visit my grandparents tomorrow. (will/was)

2. She _____ complete her homework tonight. (will/does)

3. _____ we go to the playground? (Shall/Did)

4. They _____ participate in the school competition. (will/are)

5. _____ I carry your school bag? (Shall/Has)

6. He _____ not attend the meeting tomorrow. (will/has)

7. We _____ travel to London next summer. (shall/were)

8. It _____ rain later today. (will/does)

9. _____ you help me with this question? (Will/Have)

10. My brother _____ buy a new bicycle next month. (will/was)

Part B: Rewrite the sentences as instructed

11. She will sing a song. (Make it negative.)

12. They will visit the museum. (Make it a question.)

13. I will help my friend. (Make it negative.)

14. He will play football tomorrow. (Make it a question.)

15. We shall start the lesson. (Make it negative.)

Part C: Choose the correct answer

16. Which sentence is correct?

a) She will goes to school.

b) She will go to school.

c) She going will to school.

17. Which sentence is an offer?

a) Shall I help you?

b) He will play tomorrow.

c) They will study tonight.

18. Which sentence expresses a prediction?

a) I will close the door.

b) It will rain tomorrow.

c) Shall we eat lunch?

19. What is the short form of will not?

a) Willn't

b) Won't

c) Wonted

20. Which sentence is grammatically correct?

a) Will she comes tomorrow?

b) Will she coming tomorrow?

c) Will she come tomorrow?

Answers to the Future Tense Exercise

Part A:

1. Will

2. Will

3. Shall

4. Will

5. Shall

6. Will

7. Shall

8. Will

9. Will

10. Will

Part B:

11. She will not sing a song.

12. Will they visit the museum?

13. I will not help my friend.

14. Will he play football tomorrow?

15. We shall not start the lesson.

Part C:

16. b) She will go to school.

17. a) Shall I help you?

18. b) It will rain tomorrow.

19. b) Won't

20. c) Will she come tomorrow?

12. Tips to Help Children Master Future Tense

Learning grammar rules is important, but children also need regular practice to use them confidently.

Here are some practical ways parents and teachers can improve children's English grammar skills:

1. Practise daily: Ask children to make five sentences about what they will do tomorrow.

2. Use everyday situations: Encourage children to talk about future plans, school activities, holidays, and family events.

3. Read English stories: Reading helps children understand how future tense is used naturally.

4. Complete grammar worksheets: Regular exercises improve sentence formation and accuracy.

5. Practise writing: Ask children to write short paragraphs about their dreams and future ambitions.

6. Correct mistakes gently: Explain why a sentence is incorrect instead of simply providing the correct answer.

For children aged 7–9, use short sentences and familiar examples. For children aged 10–12, introduce longer sentences, paragraph writing, and more challenging exercises.

13. Explore More English Grammar Resources for Kids

Children learn English grammar more effectively when they study different topics step by step. After learning future tense, they can explore these additional grammar and writing guides:

• Subordinating Conjunctions for Kids: Learn how to connect ideas using words such as because, although, while, and since.

• Letter Writing for Kids: Formal and Informal Letters: Understand letter formats and practise writing letters for different situations.

• Adjective Grammar Practice for Kids: Learn how adjectives describe people, places, animals, and things.

• Best English Grammar Practice for Kids: Explore useful grammar topics and practice activities for young learners.

Conclusion

The future tense using will and shall is an essential part of English grammar for primary school children. It helps them talk about their plans, make predictions, offer help, express promises, and discuss future events.

Children aged 7–9 should begin by practising simple sentences, while students aged 10–12 can move towards longer sentences, questions, and paragraph writing.

Regular reading, writing, and grammar exercises will help children understand these rules and use them confidently in everyday communication.

Recommended Grammar Practice Series for Kids

If your child wants to develop stronger English grammar skills, explore the Grammar in Steps learning series. It is designed to help young learners build their grammar knowledge progressively through age-appropriate learning and practice.

Explore the Grammar in Steps series on Amazon

The goal is not simply to memorise grammar rules but to help children understand how English works and use it confidently in speaking and writing.