/Tenses — Future
A2Tenses — Future

Will or Be Going To

1

What is it?

"Will" and "be going to" are the two main ways to talk about the future in English — and choosing between them is one of the most common challenges for learners. Both refer to future events, but they differ in whether the action is planned in advance or decided on the spot, and whether it is based on present evidence or general prediction. Understanding this difference will make your English sound much more natural.

2

How to form it

SubjectPositiveNegativeQuestion
WillI'll come / I will comeI won't comeWill you come?
Going toI'm going to comeI'm not going to comeAre you going to come?
  • • Will: will + base verb. Won't = will not.
  • • Going to: am/is/are + going to + base verb.
  • • Going to negative: am not / isn't / aren't + going to + base verb.
  • • Going to question: Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base verb?
  • • 'Gonna' is the informal spoken contraction of 'going to' — acceptable in casual speech but not formal writing.
3

When to use it

  1. 1

    Use WILL for spontaneous decisions — made at the moment of speaking.

    "The door's open — I'll close it." / "You look tired. I'll make you some tea."

  2. 2

    Use GOING TO for pre-planned intentions and decisions already made.

    "I'm going to apply for that job — I've already updated my CV." / "She's going to have a party on Friday."

  3. 3

    Use WILL for general predictions based on opinion or knowledge.

    "I think she'll like the surprise." / "It won't be easy."

  4. 4

    Use GOING TO for predictions based on present visible evidence.

    "Look at those clouds — it's going to rain." / "He's going to drop that box — watch out!"

  5. 5

    Use WILL for promises, offers, requests, and threats.

    "I'll always be here for you." / "Will you pass me the salt?"

4

Common mistakes

I'll buy a new car — I've already been saving for months.

I'm going to buy a new car — I've already been saving for months.

An intention based on planning and saving = going to. Will is for spontaneous decisions.

Look! She's going to spill it — oh, she spilt it.

Look! She's going to spill it!

This is correct. 'Going to' for a prediction based on what you can see right now.

I'm going to have the coffee, please.

I'll have the coffee, please.

Ordering food/drink is a spontaneous choice — use will.

5

Quick reference

  • Will = spontaneous decisions, promises, offers, general predictions.
  • Going to = pre-planned intentions, evidence-based predictions.
  • 'I'll have the pizza.' (spontaneous choice at the restaurant)
  • 'I'm going to start a diet.' (decision you've already made)
  • If there's visible present evidence: going to. If it's a general opinion: will.
  • Both are very common in everyday English — choosing correctly makes you sound natural.
6

Natural conversation example

Two flatmates discussing their weekend plans and a leaking tap.

C

Chris

Any plans this weekend?
K

Kate

I'm going to visit my aunt on Saturday. I haven't seen her in ages.
C

Chris

That'll be nice. I think I'll just stay home and relax.
K

Kate

Oh — the kitchen tap is still dripping. Are you going to call a plumber?
C

Chris

I was going to, but actually — I'll just fix it myself. I've watched a tutorial.
K

Kate

Are you sure? It looks like it's going to get worse.
C

Chris

I'll be fine. If I can't fix it, I'll call someone Monday.
K

Kate

OK. I'll leave you to it. Good luck!

Practice Exercises

Complete each sentence with will or the correct form of going to.

  1. 1.
    She (start) a new job next month — she accepted the offer last week.
  2. 2.
    "There's no milk." "I (get) some on my way home."
  3. 3.
    Look at him run — he (miss) the bus if he doesn't hurry.
  4. 4.
    I think it (be) a great evening.
  5. 5.
    We (redecorate) the flat — we've already picked the colours.
  6. 6.
    "I can't carry all this." "I (help) you."
  7. 7.
    She (retire) in June — she handed in her notice today.
  8. 8.
    I expect you (hear) back from them this week.
  9. 9.
    Watch out! That glass (fall)!
  10. 10.
    Promise me you (not / tell) anyone.
Future Perfect Continuous UseAll TopicsPresent Simple for Future

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