Simple Future Indicative

Most common way of expressing the idea of future in Portuguese is using the “ir” + infinitive structure
However, the conjugated simple future in the indicative is used in specific scenarios

Uses

Formal discourse, in writing and orally. Orally, it’s used especially in political and official speech
- “No próximo ano não aumentaremos os impostos”
In all situations (formal, informal, oral, written), in a question when we want to emphasise our uncertainty or ignorance about something
- “Quem será que tocou à campainha?” → I wonder who rang the bell / Who on earth rang the bell?
Using the “será que…?” at the start of a question to emphasise our uncertainty, ignorance or doubt
- E.g. A Marta está em casa? = Is Marta at home? → Será que a Marta está em casa? = Is Marta really at home? I wonder…
Used in a question to emphasise our uncertainty, ignorance, or doubt
- E.g. O Rui esta doente? = Is Rui ill? → O Rui estará doente = Is Rui really ill? / I wonder whether Rui is ill
Expressing the idea of projects in the distant future
- E.g. Quando eu me reformar, viajarei por todo o mundo

Conjugation

Some time adverbs and expressions most used with the future:

Other ways of expressing the future

Irei / irás / irá / iremos / irão + infinitive

This form is usually used in more formal discourse, including oral as well as written
E.g. Amanhã, no Grande Auditório, as 7 horas, a Orquestra Sinfónica Nacional irá tocar a sinfonia de Heito Villa-Lobos, um dos mais famosos compositores brasileiros.

Haver de + infinitive

Used to express a desire of something to be carried out in the future
Em Setembro, farei / vou fazer um safari no Quénia → Future is being used because my plans are plans, it’s a definite action
versus
Um dia, hei de fazer um safari no Quénia → “haver de” is being used instead of future because it’s a wish, an intention. It’s not a plan.