Future: 'will' vs 'be going to'
A2 ElementaryLearn when to use 'will' for spontaneous decisions and 'be going to' for plans and predictions based on evidence.
Core Differences
English uses different forms to talk about the future depending on how the speaker views the event. Will is used for decisions made at the moment of speaking, while be going to is used for plans made before the conversation.
- Will: Spontaneous decisions, offers, and promises.
- Be going to: Prior plans, intentions, and predictions based on physical evidence.
Forming the Future
will + verb / am-is-are + going to + verb
Use will with the base form of the verb. Use be going to by conjugating the verb 'to be' to match the subject.
Will vs. Be Going To
In many casual situations, speakers use both forms for predictions, but be going to is much stronger when you can see the result about to happen.
| Feature | Will | Be Going To |
|---|---|---|
| Decision | Made now (spontaneous) | Made before (planned) |
| Predictions | Based on opinion/hope | Based on present evidence |
| Example | I'll help you with those bags. | I'm going to visit my aunt on Saturday. |
Examples in Context
Common mistakes
I will visit my doctor tomorrow at 10:00.
I am going to visit my doctor tomorrow at 10:00.
Use 'be going to' for fixed plans and appointments made in the past.
I'm going to help you with that heavy box.
I'll help you with that heavy box.
Use 'will' for spontaneous offers made at the moment you see a problem.
Practice
A: We don't have any milk. B: Really? I ____ (go) to the shop and get some now.
Show answer
will go
Answer:will go
Why:This is a spontaneous decision made at the moment of speaking.
I bought my tickets yesterday. I ____ (fly) to New York next week.
Show answer
am going to fly
Answer:am going to fly
Why:This is a pre-planned action supported by the evidence of buying tickets.
Watch out! That ladder ____ (fall)!
Show answer
is going to fall
Answer:is going to fall
Why:This is a prediction based on clear physical evidence in the present.