Le Futur Simple: Complete Guide to the Simple Future Tense in French

The futur simple is one of the most important French tenses for talking about future events. Whether you're making plans, predicting the weather, expressing your intentions, or discussing what you will do tomorrow, this tense is essential. While English often uses "will" or "going to" for the future, French has a dedicated tense that is both versatile and relatively straightforward to learn.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about le futur simple in French. You will learn how to conjugate regular and irregular verbs, when to use this tense, how to distinguish it from other future forms, and the common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you will be able to speak about the future with confidence.

What is the Futur Simple?

The futur simple (simple future) is a verb tense used to express actions or states that will happen in the future. It is equivalent to the English "will" + verb or "going to" + verb.

Examples:

• Je parlerai français. – I will speak French.
• Il voyagera demain. – He will travel tomorrow.
• Nous mangerons au restaurant. – We will eat at the restaurant.

Key Points:

• The futur simple is formed by adding specific endings to the infinitive (or a modified stem for irregular verbs).
• It is used for both near and distant future events.
• There is only one set of endings for all verbs.

1. Conjugation of Regular Verbs

Conjugating regular verbs in the futur simple is simple. You take the infinitive of the verb and add the appropriate endings.

The Endings:

Subject Pronoun	Ending
je	-ai
tu	-as
il/elle/on	-a
nous	-ons
vous	-ez
ils/elles	-ont

Important: These endings are exactly the same as the present tense of avoir (to have) – except for -ai vs -as for je/tu, and -ont vs -ont (they are identical for ils/elles). This makes them easier to remember!

Conjugation of -ER Verbs (Example: PARLER – to speak):

• je parlerai – I will speak
• tu parleras – you will speak (informal)
• il/elle/on parlera – he/she/one will speak
• nous parlerons – we will speak
• vous parlerez – you will speak (formal/plural)
• ils/elles parleront – they will speak

Conjugation of -IR Verbs (Example: FINIR – to finish):

• je finirai – I will finish
• tu finiras – you will finish
• il/elle/on finira – he/she/one will finish
• nous finirons – we will finish
• vous finirez – you will finish
• ils/elles finiront – they will finish

Conjugation of -RE Verbs (Example: VENDRE – to sell):

For -RE verbs, you drop the final -e from the infinitive before adding the endings.

• je vendrai – I will sell
• tu vendras – you will sell
• il/elle/on vendra – he/she/one will sell
• nous vendrons – we will sell
• vous vendrez – you will sell
• ils/elles vendront – they will sell

Beginner Tip: For -RE verbs like attendre (to wait), perdre (to lose), rendre (to return), the rule is the same: drop the -e and add the endings.

2. Irregular Verbs in the Futur Simple

Many common French verbs are irregular in the futur simple. They do not use the infinitive as the stem but instead have a special stem. However, the endings are the same!

Important: The endings (-ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont) are the same for all verbs, including irregular ones. You just need to learn the irregular stems.

Common Irregular Stems:

Infinitive	Stem	Meaning
être	ser-	to be
avoir	aur-	to have
aller	ir-	to go
faire	fer-	to do/make
venir	viendr-	to come
tenir	tiendr-	to hold
voir	verr-	to see
vouloir	voudr-	to want
pouvoir	pourr-	can / to be able to
devoir	devr-	must / to have to
savoir	saur-	to know
recevoir	recevr-	to receive
envoyer	enverr-	to send
courir	courr-	to run
mourir	mourr-	to die
pleuvoir	pleuvr-	to rain
falloir	faudr-	to be necessary (impersonal)

Examples:

• ÊTRE: je serai, tu seras, il sera, nous serons, vous serez, ils seront
• AVOIR: j'aurai, tu auras, il aura, nous aurons, vous aurez, ils auront
• ALLER: j'irai, tu iras, il ira, nous irons, vous irez, ils iront
• FAIRE: je ferai, tu feras, il fera, nous ferons, vous ferez, ils feront
• VENIR: je viendrai, tu viendras, il viendra, nous viendrons, vous viendrez, ils viendront
• VOIR: je verrai, tu verras, il verra, nous verrons, vous verrez, ils verront
• VOUVOIR: je voudrai, tu voudras, il voudra, nous voudrons, vous voudrez, ils voudront
• POUVOIR: je pourrai, tu pourras, il pourra, nous pourrons, vous pourrez, ils pourront
• DEVOIR: je devrai, tu devras, il devra, nous devrons, vous devrez, ils devront
• SAVOIR: je saurai, tu sauras, il saura, nous saurons, vous saurez, ils sauront

Beginner Tip: Many irregular stems are formed by changing the final consonant or vowel of the infinitive. For -oir verbs, the stem often ends in -r-. For -enir verbs, the stem often ends in -iendr-.

3. When to Use the Futur Simple

The futur simple is used in several different contexts.

1. Expressing a Future Action or Event

The most common use is to talk about something that will happen in the future.

Examples:

• Demain, je partirai en vacances. – Tomorrow, I will leave for holiday.
• L'année prochaine, nous irons en Espagne. – Next year, we will go to Spain.
• Ils finiront leurs devoirs ce soir. – They will finish their homework tonight.

2. Making Promises or Assurances

Use the futur simple to make promises or give assurances.

Examples:

• Je te promets que je viendrai. – I promise you that I will come.
• Je te rappellerai demain. – I will call you back tomorrow.
• Nous ne t'oublierons pas. – We won't forget you.

3. Making Predictions

Use the futur simple to make predictions about the future.

Examples:

• Il fera beau demain. – It will be nice weather tomorrow.
• La population augmentera. – The population will increase.
• Les robots feront beaucoup de choses. – Robots will do many things.

4. Expressing Intentions or Plans

Use the futur simple to express what you intend to do.

Examples:

• Je voyagerai autour du monde. – I will travel around the world.
• Elle apprendra le japonais. – She will learn Japanese.
• Nous achèterons une maison. – We will buy a house.

5. Expressing Probability or Supposition

In some contexts, the futur simple can express probability or supposition about the present.

Examples:

• Il sera à la maison maintenant. – He is probably at home now.
• Elle aura oublié. – She has probably forgotten.

4. The Futur Simple vs. The Futur Proche

French has two future tenses: the futur simple and the futur proche (near future). Understanding the difference is crucial.

The Futur Proche (Near Future):

The futur proche is formed with aller (to go) + infinitive. It expresses an action that is going to happen in the very near future.

Structure: Subject + conjugated aller + infinitive

Examples:

• Je vais manger. – I am going to eat. (very soon)
• Il va arriver. – He is going to arrive. (imminently)
• Nous allons commencer. – We are going to start. (right now)

Comparison:

Futur Proche	Futur Simple
Je vais manger. – I am going to eat. (very soon)	Je mangerai. – I will eat. (any future time)
Il va arriver dans cinq minutes. – He is going to arrive in five minutes.	Il arrivera demain. – He will arrive tomorrow.
Immediate, planned, certain future	More distant or general future
Used in spoken French frequently	Used in both spoken and written French

Beginner Tip: For immediate actions, use the futur proche (aller + infinitive). For more distant or general future actions, use the futur simple.

5. The Futur Simple with Si Clauses

The futur simple is often used with the conjunction si (if) to express a condition and result.

Structure:

Si + present tense, (then) future simple

Examples:

• Si tu viens, je serai heureux. – If you come, I will be happy.
• Si je travaille bien, je réussirai. – If I work well, I will succeed.
• Si elle étudie, elle aura de bonnes notes. – If she studies, she will have good grades.
• Si nous partons maintenant, nous arriverons à l'heure. – If we leave now, we will arrive on time.

Important: In French, we never use the futur simple after si. Always use the present tense after si.

• Correct: Si tu viens, je serai heureux. (If you come, I will be happy.)
• Incorrect: Si tu viendras, je serai heureux. ❌

6. Negation and Questions with the Futur Simple

Negation:

To make a negative sentence in the futur simple, place ne before the verb and pas after the verb.

Structure:

Subject + ne + verb (futur simple) + pas + (rest)

Examples:

• Je ne parlerai pas. – I will not speak.
• Il ne viendra pas demain. – He will not come tomorrow.
• Nous n'irons pas à Paris. – We will not go to Paris.

Questions (Inversion):

Structure:

Verb (futur simple) + - + subject + (rest)?

Examples:

• Parleras-tu français ? – Will you speak French?
• Ira-t-il au cinéma ? – Will he go to the cinema?
• Finiront-elles leurs devoirs ? – Will they finish their homework?

Questions (Est-ce que):

Structure:

Est-ce que + subject + verb (futur simple) + (rest)?

Examples:

• Est-ce que tu parleras français ? – Will you speak French?
• Est-ce qu'il ira au cinéma ? – Will he go to the cinema?

7. Common Expressions with the Futur Simple

Here are some common expressions that are often used with the futur simple.

• demain – tomorrow
• après-demain – the day after tomorrow
• la semaine prochaine – next week
• le mois prochain – next month
• l'année prochaine – next year
• dans deux jours – in two days
• dans une heure – in an hour
• tout à l'heure – later (today)
• bientôt – soon
• plus tard – later
• un jour – one day
• finalement – eventually / finally

Examples:

• Je partirai demain matin. – I will leave tomorrow morning.
• Nous nous verrons la semaine prochaine. – We will see each other next week.
• Il finira son travail tout à l'heure. – He will finish his work later.

8. Sample Paragraphs

Example 1: Planning for the Future

L'année prochaine, je finirai mes études. Après, je chercherai un travail. Je voyagerai un peu avant de commencer ma carrière. J'irai en Asie et en Amérique du Sud. Je ferai beaucoup de photos et j'enverrai des cartes postales à ma famille. Je pense que ces voyages seront inoubliables.

Translation: Next year, I will finish my studies. After that, I will look for a job. I will travel a bit before starting my career. I will go to Asia and South America. I will take a lot of photos and send postcards to my family. I think these trips will be unforgettable.

Example 2: Predicting the Future

Le climat changera dans les prochaines années. Les températures augmenteront et les océans monteront. Les gens devront s'adapter à ces changements. Nous utiliserons plus d'énergies renouvelables. Les voitures électriques seront plus communes. Je crois que la vie sera différente dans cinquante ans.

Translation: The climate will change in the coming years. Temperatures will rise and the oceans will rise. People will have to adapt to these changes. We will use more renewable energy. Electric cars will be more common. I believe life will be different in fifty years.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these frequent errors with the futur simple:

• Using the future after "si": ❌ Si tu viendras, je serai content. → ✅ Si tu viens, je serai content. (Use present after si.)
• Confusing the futur simple with the present tense endings: ❌ Je parlerai (wrong) vs ✅ Je parlerai (if you mean "I will speak"). The endings are different from the present tense.
• Forgetting to drop the -e for -RE verbs: ❌ Je vendrerai → ✅ Je vendrai (Drop the -e from vendre.)
• Using the wrong irregular stem: ❌ Je vais → ✅ J'irai (Aller is irregular in the future.)
• Confusing the futur simple and the futur proche: Use futur proche (aller + infinitive) for immediate actions and futur simple for more distant or general future actions.

10. Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these exercises.

Exercise 1: Conjugate these verbs in the futur simple.

1. parler (je)
2. finir (il)
3. vendre (nous)
4. aller (vous)
5. être (tu)

Answers: 1. je parlerai, 2. il finira, 3. nous vendrons, 4. vous irez, 5. tu seras

Exercise 2: Translate these sentences into French.

1. I will travel to France next year.
2. She will finish her work tomorrow.
3. We will go to the beach if the weather is nice.
4. They will not come to the party.
5. Will you (tu) help me?

Answers: 1. Je voyagerai en France l'année prochaine. 2. Elle finira son travail demain. 3. Nous irons à la plage s'il fait beau. 4. Ils ne viendront pas à la fête. 5. M'aideras-tu ? / Est-ce que tu m'aideras ?

Exercise 3: Correct the errors in these sentences.

1. Si tu voudras, je t'aiderai.
2. Nous allerons à Paris.
3. Je fini mon travail demain.

Answers: 1. Si tu veux, je t'aiderai. 2. Nous irons à Paris. 3. Je finirai mon travail demain.

11. Memory Tricks and Mnemonics

Here are some simple memory aids to help you remember the futur simple:

• "The endings are like avoir in the present" – The endings -ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont are similar to the present tense of avoir (j'ai, tu as, il a, nous avons, vous avez, ils ont). This can help you remember them.
• "Drop the -e for -RE verbs" – For -RE verbs, just remove the final -e and add the endings.
• "Irregular stems: learn them in groups" – Group irregular verbs: être/ser-, avoir/aur-, aller/ir-, etc. Learn them in sets.
• "After si, present only" – Never use the future after si.

12. How to Practice the Futur Simple

Consistent practice is the key to mastering the futur simple. Here are some effective strategies:

• Write a paragraph about your plans for next year.
• Practice conjugating regular and irregular verbs.
• Read French texts and identify the futur simple.
• Listen to French podcasts and note how the future is used.
• Practice with a partner: talk about your plans for the future.

13. Cultural Note: The Future in French

The French often use the futur simple to express both near and distant future. It is a very common tense in both spoken and written French.

Futur Simple vs. Futur Proche:

In everyday conversation, many French people use the futur proche (aller + infinitive) for almost all future references, especially in informal speech. However, the futur simple is still used for more formal contexts, predictions, and promises.

Fun Fact:

The futur simple is often used in French weather forecasts! Il fera beau demain. (It will be nice weather tomorrow.)

Final Thoughts

Mastering the futur simple is essential for talking about the future in French. Remember the key points:

• Formation: Infinitive + endings (-ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont) for regular verbs; special stems for irregular verbs.
• Use: Future actions, promises, predictions, intentions, and probability.
• Si clauses: Use the present tense after si.
• Negation: Ne before the verb and pas after.
• Questions: Inversion or est-ce que.

With consistent practice, using the futur simple will become second nature. The more you immerse yourself in French, the more intuitive this tense will become.

Ready to practice? Leave a comment below with three sentences about your plans for the future using the futur simple. We will check your grammar and provide feedback to help you perfect your skills!

Example Sentences:

• L'année prochaine, j'irai en Italie avec ma famille. – Next year, I will go to Italy with my family.
• Nous achèterons une nouvelle maison dans deux ans. – We will buy a new house in two years.
• Si j'ai le temps, je lirai ce livre. – If I have time, I will read this book.

Now it's your turn! Share your sentences below and let us help you master le futur simple.