When to use different forms of the future tense?
In my studies, I have come across 4 different ways of doing something in the future.
For example, "I shall read a book"
1) я буду читати книгу
2) я прочитаю книгу
3) я читатиму книгу
4) я збираюся читати книгу
Can these be used interchangeably, or are there specific circumstances, in which to use each particular form?
дякую за доврий вебсайт!
Hi, Jason!
Thank you for your warm feedback.
Now about your question.
First of all, your sentences are all correct and can all be used when referring to the future action.
But can they be used interchangeably? To answer that you should understand the difference between Perfective and Imperfective aspect of the verb. Perfective aspect (you used it in №2) describes an action limited in time and completed. Imperfective, on the other hand, describes an action unlimited in time and uncompleted (№1, №3, №4).
Sentences
1) я буду читати книгу
and
3) я читатиму книгу
can easily be interchanged. They have the same grammatical meaning. The first one uses a function word буду + infinitive form of the verb (one way to describe future unfinished action for first person, singular) and the second one uses the verb itself in it's future form (another way to describe future unfinished action for first person, singular).
Now 2) я прочитаю книгу is a way to express future finished action.
Sentences 1+3 and 2 differ in aspects. 1 and 3 mean you'll just be reading a book and it is unknown whether you'll read it whole or just few pages. 2 means you'll definitely read the whole book.
4) я збираюся читати книгу is a similar grammatical construction as English I am going to read a book and it can be used interchangeably with sentences 1 and 3. To make it have the same meaning as the second sentence you have to use Perfective aspect of the verb читати:
5) я збираюся прочитати книгу.
I hope my explanation will help you in your studies.
Good luck and don't hesitate asking more.