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Guide Will and Going To

The document provides guidance on using "will" and "be going to" to express the simple future in English. It explains that while the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express different meanings. "Will" is used to express voluntary actions, promises, and predictions. "Be going to" expresses plans and can also be used for predictions. Some examples of each use are provided to illustrate the differences.

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Raul Ernesto Contreras Rosales
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28 views

Guide Will and Going To

The document provides guidance on using "will" and "be going to" to express the simple future in English. It explains that while the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express different meanings. "Will" is used to express voluntary actions, promises, and predictions. "Be going to" expresses plans and can also be used for predictions. Some examples of each use are provided to illustrate the differences.

Uploaded by

Raul Ernesto Contreras Rosales
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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“WILL” AND “GOIN TO”

Guide
ENGLISH III

Simple Future has two different forms in English: "will" and "be going to."
Although the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often
express two very different meanings. These different meanings might seem
too abstract at first, but with time and practice, the differences will become
clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time in the future.

FORM Will
[will + verb]

Examples:

You will help him later.


Will you help him later?
You will not help him later.

FORM Be Going To
[am/is/are + going to + verb]

Examples:

You are going to meet Jane tonight.


Are you going to meet Jane tonight?
You are not going to meet Jane tonight.

Complete List of Simple Future Forms

USE 1 "Will" to Express a Voluntary Action


"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary
action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use "will" to
respond to someone else's complaint or request for help. We also use "will"
“WILL” AND “GOIN TO”
Guide
ENGLISH III

when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us.


Similarly, we use "will not" or "won't" when we refuse to voluntarily do
something.

Examples:

I will send you the information when I get it.


I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
Will you help me move this heavy table?
Will you make dinner?
I will not do your homework for you.
I won't do all the housework myself!
A: I'm really hungry.
B: I'll make some sandwiches.
A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep.
B: I'll get you some coffee.
A: The phone is ringing.
B: I'll get it.

USE 2 "Will" to Express a Promise


"Will" is usually used in promises.

Examples:

I will call you when I arrive.


If I am elected President of the United States, I will make sure everyone has
access to inexpensive health insurance.
I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
Don't worry, I'll be careful.
I won't tell anyone your secret.
“WILL” AND “GOIN TO”
Guide
ENGLISH III

USE 3 "Be going to" to Express a Plan

"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a
person intends to do something in the future. It does not matter whether the
plan is realistic or not.

Examples:

He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.


She is not going to spend her vacation in Hawaii.
A: When are we going to meet each other tonight?
B: We are going to meet at 6 PM.
I'm going to be an actor when I grow up.
Michelle is going to begin medical school next year.
They are going to drive all the way to Alaska.
Who are you going to invite to the party?
A: Who is going to make John's birthday cake?
B: Sue is going to make John's birthday cake.

USE 4 "Will" or "Be Going to" to Express a Prediction

Both "will" and "be going to" can express the idea of a general prediction
about the future. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the
future. In "prediction" sentences, the subject usually has little control over the
future and therefore USES 1-3 do not apply. In the following examples, there
is no difference in meaning.

Examples:
“WILL” AND “GOIN TO”
Guide
ENGLISH III

The year 2222 will be a very interesting year.


The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year.
John Smith will be the next President.
John Smith is going to be the next President.
The movie "Zenith" will win several Academy Awards.
The movie "Zenith" is going to win several Academy Awards.

IMPORTANT

In the Simple Future, it is not always clear which USE the speaker has in
mind. Often, there is more than one way to interpret a sentence's meaning.

Worksheet.

 Philipp_______________ 15 next Wednesday. (to be)


 They_____________________ a new computer. (to get)
 I think my mother__________________ this CD. (to like)
 Paul's sister__________________ a baby. (to have)
 They_______________________ at about 4 in the afternoon. (to
arrive)
 Just a moment. I______________ you with the bags. (to help)
 In 2020 people____________________ more hybrid cars. (to buy)
 Marvin_________________________ a party next week. (to throw)
 We_____________________________ to Venice in June. (to fly)
 Look at the clouds! It_____________________ soon. (to rain)

1. Philipp will be 15 next Wednesday.


2. They are going to get a new computer.
“WILL” AND “GOIN TO”
Guide
ENGLISH III

3. I think my mother will like this CD.

4. Paul's sister is going to have a baby.

5. They will arrive at about 4 in the afternoon.

6. Just a moment. I will help you with the bags.

7. In 2020 people will buy more hybrid cars.

8. Marvin is going to throw a party next week.

9. We are going to fly to Venice in June.

10. Look at the clouds! It is going to rain soon.

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