Probability using the future simple (futuro imperfecto)

Linda S.B2Kwiziq community member

Probability using the future simple (futuro imperfecto)

I am trying to get my head around your example of probability needing the future tense:

 Estoy muy ocupada así que llegaré sobre las doce o doce y media.

I am very busy so I might arrive at about twelve or twelve thirty….My question is on this basis how on earth anyone would know if I would arrive then or not, as surely if I use the future tense I’m saying I WILL arrive, not MIGHT ???
Asked 2 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola Linda

You can use the future to simply state when things will definitely happen:

Llegaré a las doce.

I wil (definitely) arrive at 12.

Or you can also use it indicating that something will probably happen at a certain moment in the future. When we use it this way, there is normally something else in the sentence that creates this uncertainty, or sometimes that uncertainty goes simply with your facial expression (of doubt), so there will be some kind of indicator. 

In this specific example we are creating that sense of "might" by saying first "Estoy muy ocupada... así que..." This makes the listener think that that may be a "might" arrive at 12. 

Saludos

Inma

DENISE O.C1Kwiziq community member

I am really confused about this as well.

DENISE O.C1Kwiziq community member

I am really confused about this as well.

InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Denise

We've added a bit more clarification to the lesson so it's clearer when we use the future tense with this purpose and added some hints to the test-questions. I hope this clarifies it. 

Using the Spanish simple future to express probabilities or predictions in the future (El Futuro Simple)

Gracias y saludos

Inma

Probability using the future simple (futuro imperfecto)

I am trying to get my head around your example of probability needing the future tense:

 Estoy muy ocupada así que llegaré sobre las doce o doce y media.

I am very busy so I might arrive at about twelve or twelve thirty….My question is on this basis how on earth anyone would know if I would arrive then or not, as surely if I use the future tense I’m saying I WILL arrive, not MIGHT ???

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Getting that for you now...