7.2 Near future (futur proche) vs. simple future

The future tense in French comes in two flavors: near and simple. The near future is for stuff happening soon, like tonight or tomorrow. It's formed with "aller" plus an infinitive. The simple future is for events further away or less certain.

Choosing between them depends on timing and certainty. Near future feels more immediate and planned, while simple future works for distant events or predictions. Sometimes they're interchangeable, but the near future often sounds more casual and certain.

Near Future Tense Usage

Expressing Immediate or Near Future Actions

• The near future (futur proche) expresses actions or events occurring in the immediate or very near future (within the same day or soon after)
• Implies a sense of certainty or planning regarding the future action
• Examples:
  • Je vais faire mes devoirs ce soir (I am going to do my homework tonight)
  • Nous allons déjeuner ensemble demain midi (We are going to have lunch together tomorrow at noon)

Contrasting with the Simple Future Tense

• The simple future (futur simple) expresses actions or events taking place further in the future (coming days, weeks, months, or years)
• Can be used for more distant or hypothetical events
• The choice between near future and simple future depends on the speaker's perception of the time frame and level of certainty
• Examples:
  • J'irai en France l'année prochaine (I will go to France next year) - simple future
  • Je vais aller en France le mois prochain (I am going to go to France next month) - near future

Forming the Near Future Tense

Using "Aller" + Infinitive

• The near future is formed by using the present tense of the verb "aller" (to go) followed by the infinitive of the main verb
• Conjugation of "aller" in the present tense:
  • je vais
  • tu vas
  • il/elle/on va
  • nous allons
  • vous allez
  • ils/elles vont
• Examples:
  • Je vais manger une pomme (I am going to eat an apple)
  • Nous allons partir en vacances (We are going to leave for vacation)

Consistency Across Subjects and Verbs

• The near future construction remains the same regardless of the subject or the main verb used
• The appropriate form of "aller" is followed by the infinitive of the main verb
• Examples:
  • Tu vas étudier ce soir (You are going to study tonight)
  • Ils vont regarder un film (They are going to watch a movie)
  • Vous allez prendre le train (You are going to take the train)

Choosing the Right Future Tense

Considering Time Frame and Context

• Use the near future when the action or event is expected to occur immediately or within a short time frame (usually the same day)
• Use the simple future when the action or event is planned for a more distant future (next day, week, month, or year)
• The speaker's intention and level of certainty can influence the choice between near future and simple future
• Examples:
  • Je vais appeler mon ami dans une heure (I am going to call my friend in an hour) - near future
  • Nous finirons le projet la semaine prochaine (We will finish the project next week) - simple future

Interchangeability in Certain Situations

• In some cases, both the near future and simple future can be used interchangeably, especially when the exact time frame is not specified or is less relevant
• The choice may depend on the speaker's preference or the context
• Examples:
  • Je vais acheter une nouvelle voiture (I am going to buy a new car) - near future
  • J'achèterai une nouvelle voiture (I will buy a new car) - simple future

Near Future vs Simple Future

Implications and Nuances

• The near future suggests a higher level of certainty, planning, or immediacy compared to the simple future
• Using the near future can imply that the speaker has already made arrangements or has a strong intention to carry out the action very soon
• The simple future is more suitable for expressing predictions, hypothetical situations, or actions that are less certain or further in the future
• The simple future can also be used to make promises, express resolutions, or state general truths about the future
• Examples:
  • Je vais définitivement assister à la fête ce soir (I am definitely going to attend the party tonight) - near future, high certainty
  • J'assisterai probablement à la conférence l'année prochaine (I will probably attend the conference next year) - simple future, less certainty

Formality and Politeness

• In some contexts, the choice between near future and simple future can convey different levels of politeness or formality
• The simple future may be considered more formal or polite in certain situations
• Examples:
  • Je vais vous aider avec votre valise (I am going to help you with your suitcase) - near future, less formal
  • Je vous aiderai avec votre valise (I will help you with your suitcase) - simple future, more polite or formal