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Sometimes verbs and tenses are used in non-standard ways.
In most cases, when we teachers teach a grammar rule, we initially focus on the standard. Grammar rules are already complicated, and there’s no need to make things worse for the student by listing all the possible exceptions or non-standard uses.
But when your language level improves, it is fun to learn new ways of using a certain verb, a tense, or another grammar element. Let’s take the future simple, il futuro semplice, for example. When you first encounter it, you learn that the future simple is used to talk about events or actions that will happen in the future (domani andrò al mare or partirò presto per Parigi, for example).
The future simple is very straightforward and not complicated at all. However, it is used in certain situations and to convey meanings most students may not be aware of. In particular, the future simple in Italian has three less common uses.
Let’s now see these three uses of the future.
1. The future can be used to give an order more mildly and delicately.
For example:
Mi chiamerai appena arrivi (instead of Chiamami appena arrivi!) – Please call me as soon as you arrive.
Per la riunione preparerai tu un’introduzione (instead of Per la riunione prepari tu un’introduzione) – Please prepare an introduction for tomorrow’s meeting.
Prenderai questa medicina prima di dormire (instead of Prendi questa medicina prima di dormire!) – Please take this medicine before going to bed.
Ora mi ascolterai con attenzione (instead of Ascoltami con attenzione!) – Please listen to me carefully.
2. You could use the future to express doubt or uncertainty.
For example:
Che cosa si nasconderà là sotto? – I wonder what’s hiding down there.
Si sta facendo buio. Che ore saranno? – It’s getting dark. What time could it be?
Marta e Francesca sono in ritardo. Ci sarà traffico sulla strada? – Marta e Francesca are late. I wonder if there’s traffic on the road.
Dove avrò messo le chiavi? – I wonder where I put my keys.
3. You can use the future in the periodo ipotetico della realtà (first type conditional).
For example:
Se domani farà bel tempo, andremo al mare – If the weather is nice tomorrow, we will go to the beach.
Se mi aiuterai a finire questo lavoro, ti offrirò la cena – If you help me finish this work, I’ll treat you to dinner.
Se studierai con impegno, supererai l’esame senza problemi – If you study hard, you will pass the exam easily.
Se non arriveranno in tempo, perderanno il treno – If they don’t arrive on time, they will miss the train.
Did you know these uses of the future simple?
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