Estaré soñando - why future tense

Question

why not estoy soñando?.. I don't understand the use of the future tense. It was used in a context where the present tense should have been...

it was a question ¿estaré sñando?

Answer 1

Future tense is used to express doubt.

Present probability: More common is to use the future verb forms as a way of expressing something that is probable or supposed. The verb-only equivalent in English is rare; usually we would express such a thought by using "probably," "likely," "I suppose" or some similar word or phrase. In question form, the future tense can indicate uncertainty rather than probability

Pablo no está aquí. Estará en casa. (Paul isn't here. He's probably at home.)

¿Qué hora es? Será la una. (What time is it? I suppose it's 1 o'clock.)

Han trabajado mucho. Estarán cansados. (They've worked hard. They must be tired.)

Estoy confudida. ¿Me amará? (I'm confused. I wonder if he loves me.)

Interesting Heidi, I did not know a question indicates doubt. I prefer to keep things simple as many people do (as far as language goes). In my mind a question is a question. - EL_MAG0, Feb 27, 2011

Ok, I get it, it is wise to know how others use the language también, however, I dont believe will is incorrect either. Im sure a tone of voice can show the difference. :). - EL_MAG0, Feb 27, 2011

You got my vote, perhaps basic material doesnt always go in depth. Thank you Heidi :) - EL_MAG0, Feb 27, 2011

So clear - dewclaw, Feb 27, 2011

Wow, Heidi, thanks. No one ever told me that before. - Echoline, Feb 27, 2011

Answer 2

They are different tenses, maybe the context is making you doubt about it.

Hola Dakie, puedes decir simplemente, 'making you doubt it.' - margaretbl, Feb 26, 2011

Answer 3

I will be dreaming vs. I am dreaming. You are simply saying different things.

Yes. :) - Dakie, Feb 26, 2011

Yes!!! You are right. - EL_MAG0, Feb 27, 2011

Answer 4

In english we can talk about the past and use a future tense that is still referring to the past. Is there a better tense to use in spanish to indicate "will" in a future tense? Or is the future tense the best tense to indicate "will"?

Ir a - lorenzo9, Feb 27, 2011

To be going to, is there a better tense to use other than future to indicate doubt? Estoy aprendiendo and I appreciate your feedback:). As always, Amor y paz. - EL_MAG0, Feb 27, 2011

The conditional and future tenses canboth be used to express probability. The subjunctive is used when you don't want to declare something, perhaps because you doubt it. You can also use the indicative to declare doubt. - lorenzo9, Feb 27, 2011

The indicative, muy bien, why so many verb tenses in spanish when in english we only need 5? - EL_MAG0, Feb 27, 2011

Answer 5

When you think the future, think will (might). Will be in your context. And with the question it becomes will you be (you might be). ¡Amor y paz!

When you think abouth the future tense in Spanish, think "might" not will. - lorenzo9, Feb 27, 2011

The tense itself can be used to refer to the past, present, or future. - lorenzo9, Feb 27, 2011

I suppose, we are not promised to be alive 5 minutes from now after all ;). I'll edit my answer despite the videos I learned will from. - EL_MAG0, Feb 27, 2011

So, is there a better tense to indicate " will"? - EL_MAG0, Feb 27, 2011