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The futur simple is not just a formal alternative to the futur proche. It has specific uses that make it the preferred — or required — choice in certain contexts. This lesson covers when and why to use the futur simple, including its important role with quand and dès que.
The futur simple is natural for predictions about what will happen:
The futur simple is preferred in formal writing, news, and official contexts:
This is a critical difference between French and English. After time conjunctions referring to the future, French uses the futur simple where English uses the present tense:
| English (present after "when") | French (future after "quand") |
|---|---|
| When I arrive, I will call you. | Quand j'arriverai, je t'appellerai. |
| As soon as she finishes, she will leave. | Dès qu'elle finira, elle partira. |
| When you are ready, we will go. | Quand tu seras prêt, nous partirons. |
| When it rains, I will stay home. | Quand il pleuvra, je resterai chez moi. |
Key Rule: After quand, lorsque, dès que, aussitôt que, and tant que referring to future events, you MUST use the futur simple in French. English uses the present tense in this position, so this is a very common error for English speakers.
The futur simple can replace the imperative for a softer command:
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