How to Use "Aller" in the Futur Proche

The futur proche, or near future tense, is a simple and common way to talk about events that will happen soon in French. It's formed using the verb "aller" (to go) as an auxiliary, followed by an infinitive. Let's explore how to use this practical tense.

Formation of Futur Proche

To form the futur proche, follow this structure:

Subject + conjugated "aller" in present tense + infinitive verb

For example:

• Je vais manger (I'm going to eat)
• Tu vas dormir (You're going to sleep)
• Il/Elle va étudier (He/She is going to study)

When to Use Futur Proche

Immediate or Near Future

Use futur proche for actions that will happen soon or are planned:

• Je vais partir dans cinq minutes. (I'm going to leave in five minutes.)
• Nous allons dîner au restaurant ce soir. (We're going to have dinner at a restaurant tonight.)

Intentions or Decisions

It's also used to express intentions or decisions made in the present:

• Je vais arrêter de fumer. (I'm going to quit smoking.)
• Ils vont se marier l'année prochaine. (They're going to get married next year.)

Futur Proche vs. Futur Simple

While futur proche expresses near future events, futur simple is used for more distant or uncertain future events:

• Futur proche: Je vais acheter une voiture le mois prochain. (I'm going to buy a car next month.)
• Futur simple: J'achèterai une voiture un jour. (I will buy a car someday.)

Practice Exercise

Try forming futur proche sentences with these elements:

1. vous / aller / au cinéma
2. ils / commencer / un nouveau projet
3. nous / partir / en vacances

Remember, mastering the futur proche will greatly enhance your ability to discuss upcoming plans and intentions in French!