The future in English

BE GOING TO

VS.

WILL

I AM GOING TO : I HAVE DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING (FUTURE PLANS).

Today, I am going to drive my new motorcycle, then I am going to phone my best friend and finally I am going to read my favourite novel.

IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN: The situation now make us believe that.

Look at those black clouds!

It’s going to rain.

She is pregnant.

She is going to have a baby.

PREDICTIONS WITH PRESENT EVIDENCE

BE GOING TO

• FORM:– Affirmative: he is going to travel to London

next week– Negative: I’m not going to celebrate the party– Interrogative: are you going to finish your

sandwich?

• USE: Future plans and predictions with evidence.

WILL

I left the door open. I will close it right now.

(In the restaurant)

W :What would you like to drink?

I will have a cup of coffee, please.

Did you call Sue?

No, I forgot it.

I will call her tonight

Decisions at the time of speaking

I am little hungry.

I think I will have a sandwich.

I don’t think I will go out tonight. I am too tired.

Personal opinion

Don’t worry. I will help you with your homework.

I will love you forever.

You will be richOffers

Promises

Predictions

WILL

• FORM:– Affirmative: I will (I’ll) buy some milk.– Negative: She won’t win the lottery. – Interrogative: Will they use electric cars?

• USE: spontaneous decisions, personal opinions, offers, promises and predictions.