Using the simple future in Spanish for prediction, speculation and probability in the present (El Futuro Simple)

Expressing probability in Spanish with the future tense

To express the probability of something happening at the time you are speaking, in Spanish we use El Futuro Simple, also known as El Futuro Imperfecto.

By using this tense we do not express what is going to happen or what is definitely happening but rather we are:

  • speculating about what might be happening,
  • expressing what is probably happening,
  • predicting what might be happening.

Look at the following examples:

Marcos y Javier todavía no han llegado. ¿Dónde estarán?Marcos and Javier haven't arrived yet. Where could they be?

Es un poco raro que Paula no esté aquí; estará todavía esperando el autobús.It is a bit strange that Paula is not here; she is probably still waiting for the bus.

Este lugar no me suena, pero estaremos cerca de Madrid.This place doesn't seem familiar but we are probably near Madrid.

No tengo reloj pero serán las once y media más o menos.I don't have a watch but it is probably around half past eleven.

 

ATTENTION:
If the conjecture or expression of probability is about the past, then you use El Condicional Simple.



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

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Examples and resources

No tengo reloj pero serán las once y media más o menos.I don't have a watch but it is probably around half past eleven.
Este lugar no me suena, pero estaremos cerca de Madrid.This place doesn't seem familiar but we are probably near Madrid.
Es un poco raro que Paula no esté aquí; estará todavía esperando el autobús.It is a bit strange that Paula is not here; she is probably still waiting for the bus.
Marcos y Javier todavía no han llegado. ¿Dónde estarán?Marcos and Javier haven't arrived yet. Where could they be?
Let me take a look at that...