future with will and going to
Overview
You have learned two ways to talk about the future in English. Use 'will' for instant decisions, promises, and predictions. Use 'going to' for plans you already made and predictions based on what you can see now.
Introduction
Learning to talk about the future is an important skill in English! In this lesson, you will learn two main ways to express future actions: 'will' and 'going to'. Both are common, but we use them in different situations.
Key Concepts
WILL - Use 'will' for: • Predictions (I think it will rain tomorrow) • Instant decisions (I'll answer the phone!) • Promises (I will help you) • Offers (I'll carry your bag)
Structure: Subject + will + base verb Example: She will come. / They will not (won't) go.
GOING TO - Use 'going to' for: • Plans you already made (I'm going to visit my friend next week) • Predictions based on evidence you can see now (Look at those clouds! It's going to rain)
Structure: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb Example: I am going to study. / He is not (isn't) going to work.
Examples and Usage
**WILL Examples:** 1. 'Oh no, we don't have milk!' → 'Don't worry, I'll buy some.' (instant decision) 2. 'I think you will like this movie.' (prediction without evidence) 3. 'I promise I will call you tonight.' (promise) **GOING TO Examples:** 1. 'We are going to have a party on Saturday. We invite...
Unlock 3 More Sections
Sign up free to access the complete notes, key concepts, and exam tips for this topic.
No credit card required · Free forever
Key Concepts
- Will is used for instant decisions, promises, and predictions without evidence
- Going to is used for plans already made and predictions based on present evidence
- Will structure: Subject + will + base verb
- Going to structure: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb
Exam Tips
- →In writing tasks, use 'going to' when describing plans you made (with time words like 'next week', 'tomorrow')
- →In speaking tests, use 'will' naturally for offers and instant decisions: 'I'll help you with that'
- +1 more tips (sign up)
More A2 Grammar Development Notes