Friday, February 24

Grammar tips

Today we will analyze two sentences to highlight the difference between the Simple Future and the Future Perfect.

Read and compare the two sentences below:

• “By the time the WTO rules, the American firms lobbying for protection from Chinese imports will doubtless have enjoyed several years of it.”
• “When the WTO rules, the American firms lobbying for protection from Chinese imports will doubtless enjoy several years of it.”

Do you know why the first sentence uses the Future Perfect, while the second uses the Simple Future?

Let’s emphasize some key words and expressions on both sentences:

• “By the time the WTO rules, the American firms lobbying for protection from Chinese imports WILL doubtless HAVE ENJOYED several years of it.”
• “When/After the WTO rules, the American firms lobbying for protection from Chinese imports WILL doubtless ENJOY several years of it.”

The first sentence uses the Future Perfect to underline all that would happen before the future moment.

By contrast, the second sentence uses the Simple Future to highlight what will happen in the future moment. 

Stay tuned for more of Todd's grammar tips in our CACD English Newsletter!!