Learn English – Different Ways of Asking about Future Possibilities

grammarsyntactic-analysis

Your friend is going abroad. You want to know if it's possible for you to see them next year. You ask them one of these questions:

  • Am I going to see you next year?
  • Would I see you next year?
  • Will I see you next year?
  • … (If you know other ways to ask this question, please add it)

Will you questions are not included, because they are about your friend's intention, not about a future possibility.

What are the differences between these structures? In what context should each one be used?

Best Answer

Here's a quick breakdown: - Am I going to see you next year? (This could be asking for the person's intention, plan, or even prediction.) - Would I see you next year? (This sounds like a conditional; the person may or may not go abroad, e.g., If you went abroad, would I see you next year?) - Will I see you next year? (One meaning here could be asking for the person to decide at that moment or make a promise.) - Will I be seeing you next year? (Another way of asking about the person's plans or intentions.)

Quick tip: Remember that "will" is usually used for predictions, promises, at-the-moment decisions, offers, and itineraries. However, "will be + present participle" can be used for plans, similar to "be going to."

By the way, none of the examples are in the passive voice. Passive would be something like this: Am I going to be seen by you tomorrow? I could imagine asking a doctor this question. I hope this was helpful!

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