Summary of Verbs: Future Simple and Future Perfect

Goals

1. Recognise and write verbs in the imperfect future and perfect future tenses.

2. Differentiate between the uses and applications of the imperfect future and perfect future tenses, as well as how they compare to other verb tenses.

Contextualization

The imperfect future and perfect future tenses are crucial for effective communication in Spanish. Picture a situation where you might need to discuss future plans, like an upcoming trip next year, or reflect on something that's going to be wrapped up by a specific time in the future, such as handing in a project. These verb tenses allow for clear and precise expression. In a casual chat, you might say 'Mañana iré al cine,' using the imperfect future. However, in a more formal environment, it's often necessary to use the perfect future to describe an achieved goal: 'Para cuando llegues, habré terminado el informe.'

Subject Relevance

To Remember!

Imperfect Future

The Imperfect Future expresses future actions that are indefinite or still incomplete. It is often found when discussing plans, predictions, or promises. For example, 'Mañana iré al cine' translates to 'Tomorrow I will go to the movies.'

• Formation: Add the endings -é, -ás, -á, -emos, -éis, -án to the infinitive of the verb.

• Usage: To describe future actions that haven't been completed yet.

• Examples: Yo comeré, tú comerás, él/ella comerá, nosotros comeremos, vosotros comeréis, ellos comerán.

Perfect Future

The Perfect Future indicates that an action will be completed before a certain point in the future. It’s often used to predict that one action will be finished before another one. For instance, 'Para cuando llegues, habré terminado el informe' means 'When you arrive, I will have already finished the report.'

• Formation: Use the verb 'haber' in the imperfect future (habré, habrás, habrá, habremos, habréis, habrán) followed by the past participle of the main verb.

• Usage: To describe actions that will be finished before a specified time in the future.

• Examples: Yo habré comido, tú habrás comido, él/ella habrá comido, nosotros habremos comido, vosotros habréis comido, ellos habrán comido.

Differences between Imperfect Future and Perfect Future

Even though both verb tenses refer to future actions, the Imperfect Future and Perfect Future have different applications. The Imperfect Future describes actions that will take place in a general sense, while the Perfect Future is used for actions that will be completed before a particular point in the future.

• Imperfect Future: Relates to unfinished future actions.

• Perfect Future: Refers to future actions that will be completed before a certain moment.

• Comparative Example: 'Mañana estudiaré' (Imperfect Future) versus 'Para mañana, habré estudiado' (Perfect Future).

Practical Applications

• A travel agent explaining future itineraries to clients, using the Imperfect Future for upcoming plans and the Perfect Future for actions that are already set in place.

• During a business presentation, utilising the Perfect Future to convey achieved objectives and the Imperfect Future for growth projections.

• In project planning, employing the Imperfect Future for tasks yet to be completed and the Perfect Future for milestones that have already been reached.

Key Terms

• Imperfect Future: A verb tense for unfinished future actions.

• Perfect Future: A verb tense for actions that will be completed before a specific point in the future.

• Past Participle: A verb form used to create compound tenses, such as the Perfect Future.

Questions for Reflections

• How can the correct use of future verb tenses affect your communication in different professional and personal situations?

• Can you identify everyday scenarios where utilising the imperfect future and perfect future verb tenses is essential?

• How might clarity in communication about deadlines and future objectives influence the success of a project or negotiation in the workplace?

My Future in Spanish

Write a brief narrative about your future plans and aspirations, incorporating both the Imperfect Future and Perfect Future verb tenses.

Instructions

• Compose a paragraph detailing three actions you intend to take in the next month, using the Imperfect Future.

• Craft another paragraph highlighting three actions you will have accomplished by the end of next year, using the Perfect Future.

• Review your paragraphs to ensure the verb tenses are correctly employed.

• Share your work with a colleague and discuss any suggested changes.