Simple Future in Portuguese

Overview

Simple Future (Futuro Simples) is a intermediate (CEFR B1) topic in Portuguese grammar. Future tense formed with infinitive + endings (-ei, -ás, -á, -emos, -eis, -ão). Irregular stems: fazer→far-, dizer→dir-, trazer→trar-. Often replaced by ir + infinitive in speech.

Understanding simple future is essential for building correct Portuguese sentences and communicating effectively. This concept is introduced at the B1 level and forms part of the foundation for more advanced grammar structures.

Whether you are learning Brazilian or European Portuguese, mastering simple future will significantly improve your ability to express yourself naturally and accurately in a variety of contexts.

How It Works

Formation: infinitive + future endings:

Person	Ending	falar	comer
eu	-ei	falarei	comerei
tu	-as	falaras	comeras
ele	-a	falara	comera
nos	-emos	falaremos	comeremos
eles	-ao	falarao	comerao

Irregular stems (only three): fazer -> far- (farei), dizer -> dir- (direi), trazer -> trar- (trarei).

Less common in speech than ir + infinitive. Used in formal contexts, predictions, and probability: Sera verdade? (Can it be true?)

Examples in Context

Portuguese	English	Note
Amanhã irei ao cinema.	Tomorrow I will go to the cinema.
Terás de esperar.	You will have to wait.
Faremos o trabalho juntos.	We will do the work together.
Dirão a verdade?	Will they tell the truth?
Serei feliz.	I will be happy.
Farao o trabalho.	They will do it.	far-
Direi a verdade.	I will tell the truth.	dir-
Sera verdade?	Can it be true?	probability
Traremos comida.	We will bring food.	trar-

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong tense for the context

• Wrong: Choosing a different past or future tense when simple future is required
• Right: Identify the specific temporal meaning before selecting the tense
• Why: Each Portuguese tense carries a distinct meaning about when and how an action occurred. Simple Future is used in specific contexts that differ from related tenses.

Forgetting irregular forms

• Wrong: Applying regular conjugation patterns to irregular verbs
• Right: Memorize the irregular forms for common verbs in this tense
• Why: Many of the most frequently used Portuguese verbs are irregular and must be learned individually.

Mixing up register levels

• Wrong: Using very formal tense forms in casual conversation
• Right: Match your tense choice to the formality of the situation
• Why: Some forms are more common in speech while others are preferred in writing. Using the wrong register can sound awkward.

Usage Notes

At the B1 level, understanding regional variation becomes more important. Brazilian and European Portuguese may handle simple future differently in terms of frequency, formality, and preferred constructions.

This concept is essential for both spoken and written Portuguese at the intermediate level. In formal writing, adhere to the standard rules; in casual speech, you may encounter simplified or alternative forms, particularly in Brazilian Portuguese.

Practice Tips

1. Practice simple future with authentic Portuguese texts, listening for how native speakers use these forms in context.
2. Create flashcards with complete example sentences rather than isolated words to reinforce natural patterns.
3. Write short paragraphs using simple future and compare them with native-written texts to identify areas for improvement.

Related Concepts

• Prerequisite: Near Future (ir + inf) -- provides the foundational knowledge needed for simple future
• Next steps: Conditional -- builds on simple future concepts
• Next steps: Future Perfect -- builds on simple future concepts