Future - Will vs.

Going to
A very confusing concept is when to use WILL and when to use BE GOING
TO when we refer the future.

going to main verb

 When to use GOING TO
The structure BE GOING TO is normally used to indicate the future but with some
type of connection to the present. We use it in the following situations:
1. When we have already decided or we INTEND to do something in the
future. (Prior Plan)
The decision has been made before the moment of speaking.

 They're going to retire to the beach - in fact they have already bought a
little beach house.
 I'm going to accept the job offer.

2. When there are definite signs that something is going to happen.

(Evidence)
Something is likely to happen based on the evidence or experience you have.

 I think it is going to rain - I just felt a drop.

 I don't feel well. I think I'm going to throw up. (throw up = vomit)

3. When something is about to happen:

 Get back! The bomb is going to explode.

When to use WILL

In other cases, where there is no implicit or explicit connection to the present,
use WILL:
1. For things that we decide to do now. (Rapid Decisions)
This is when you make a decision at that moment, in a spontaneous way.

 I'll buy one for you too.

 I think I'll try one of those. (I just decided this right now)

2. When we think or believe something about the future. (Prediction)

 My team will not win the league this season.

 I think it will rain later so take an umbrella with you.

Note: You can use both Will and Going to for making future predictions.

3. To make an offer, a promise or a threat.

 I'll give you a discount if you buy it right now.

  I promise I will behave next time.
 I'll take you to the movies if you'd like.

4. You use WON'T when someone refuses to do something.

 I told him to take out the trash but he won't do it.

 My kids won't listen to anything I say.
 My car won't start.

Future Predictions
As you can see, both Will and Going to can be used for making future predictions
without having a real difference in meaning.

 The weather report says it will rain tomorrow. (Correct)

 The weather report says it is going to rain tomorrow. (Correct)

Compare Will vs. Going To

If someone asks: "Are you busy this evening?"
If I respond: "Yes, I'm going to the movies." I use going to because it is a plan I
made earlier (before I was asked the question). - In this case we cannot use Will.
If I haven't made plans, then you can say either: "I will probably watch TV." OR
"I'm probably going to watch TV."
Both will and going to are possible in this situation because we are predicting
what will happen (since we haven't made any plans).

Practice No. 1

1. I can’t lift this box. OK. I will help you.

will

am going to
2. I don’t think that she will recognize me.
Will

is going to
3. Careful! You ………………… fall.
will
are going to
4. She ………………….. graduate next year.
will

is going to

Either could be used here

5. The flight …………………… at 9 pm.
Departs (por el tiempo)

will depart.
6. I …………………. meet your dad tomorrow afternoon.
am going to

will
7. He is very hard-working. I think he ........................................ be very successful.
will

is going to
8. ..................................... you marry me?
Will

Are you going to

9. Who do you think …………………….. win the championship?
will

is going to
10. I ……………. to America next month.
fly

will fly

am flying
 Practice No.2
1. Philipp is going to be 15 next Wednesday.

2. They are going to buy a new computer.

3. I think my mother will like this CD.

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

5. They will wake up at about 4 in the afternoon.

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

7. In 2023 people will drive more hybrid cars.

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

Practice No. 3
1. Look out! we will crash.

2. I hope one day I will have more free time.

3. This evening I am going to stay at home and watch tv.

4. Perhaps in a few hundred years everybody will have an easy life.

5. We are going to spend the weekend in the mountains.

6. Do you think it will rain tonight?

7. If both parents have blue eyes, their children is going to have blue
eyes.

8. We will buy a new car.

9. He is going to study abroad next year.

10. She hopes her baby will be a girl.

 Practice No. 4

I'm going to lend

1. 'I haven't got my phone.' 'That's OK. you mine.'

w e're going to buy

2. It's Julia's birthday next week, so her some
flowers.
I'll give
3. Will you lend me £10? I promise  it back to you
tomorrow.
We're going to have
4. a barbecue tomorrow. It's all planned, so I
hope it won't rain.
is he going to
5. 'Jim's starting university tomorrow.' 'What study?'

w on't like
6. You that film. It's very frightening. Let's
choose another one.
'll like
7. Do you think they the presents we got for them?

w ill leave
8. Look! The coach ! Run or we'll miss it.

Practice No. 5

1.- When we get home, we are going to have dinner.

2.- I know they will (feel) very happy if they win the match.
3.- They’ve already decided on their next summer holiday. They are
going to (do) a tour of Norway.
4.- She thinks that the Take That concert will (be) really exciting.
5.- “What are your plans for this evening?” I am going to (meet) my
friends and then go to a birthday party.
6.- If you revise for the exam, I’m sure you are going to (get) a good
result.
7.- The weather forecast is good for the next few days. It will
(be) very sunny.
8.- I can’t come on the march tomorrow. I am going to (look after)
my cousins.
9.- In the future, I think humans WILL (wipe out) many different
species.
10.-He is buying some butter and eggs because he IS GOING TO (make)
a cake later.
11.- This homework is very easy. I know we WILL (do) it very quickly.
12.- In five-year time, I WILL (be) at university.
13.- She wants to get her mum a birthday present. But she IS NOT
GOING TO (not buy) it today.
14.- Their suitcases are packed. They ARE GOING TO (go) on holiday.
15.- If we go to Paris, we ARE GOING TO (take) lots of pictures.
16.- My brother thinks it IS GOING TO (snow) tomorrow.
17.- It’s very late! Hurry up or we WILL (be) late for work.
18.- Look at that boy at the top of that tree! He IS GOING TO (fall).
19.- When we go home, we ARE GOING TO (watch) TV.
We don’t want to miss our favorite program.
20.- I’m sure they ARE GOING TO (lose) the match.
21.- It’s very hot in here. I AM GOING TO (open) the window.
22.- It’s a secret! OK I AM GOING TO (not tell) anyone.
23.- My cousin IS GOING TO (work) in the UK for a year.
24.- I WILL (love) you forever.
25.- I’m thirsty. I AM GOING TO (get) you a glass of water.

Practice no. 6
1. Sam: Have you arranged the accommodation for our guest?
Chris: I am terribly sorry. i completely forgot about it. I WILL do it now.

2. Guest: I think I forgot my luggage in the lobby.

Receptionist: Please wait here. I WILL ask someone to carry it to your room.

3. Our housekeeper has worked all day long. She must be very tired. In fact, she
looks as if she IS GOING TO pass out.
4. Martin: This is the second time i have called you about the TV which doesn't
work properly.
Receptionist: Sorry Sir! We've already informed the technicians of the problem.
They WILL come upstairs to fix it soon.

5. Travel Agent: Could you tell me the flight number and the arrival time of Mr.
Duncan?
Secretary: Hold on a second, please! I WILL give you this information after
checking his flight ticket.

6. The weatherman says it IS GOING TO rain after Sunday.

7. I hope we WON’T have any more trouble with the neighbor's dog.

Practice 7
‘Will’ or ‘be going to’? Put in ‘will’ or ‘be going to’:
1. A: We don’t have any bread. B: I know. I WILL get some from the shop.
2. A: We don’t have any bread. B: Really? I AM GOING TO get some from the
shop then.
3. A: Why do you need to borrow my suitcase? B: I AM GOING TO visit my mother
in Scotland next month.
4. A: I’m really cold. B: I AM GOING TO turn the heating on.
5. A: Are you going to John’s party tonight? B: Yes. Are you going too? I WILL give
you a lift.
6. A: What are your plans after you leave university? B: I AM GOING TO work in a
hospital in Africa. I leave on the 28th.
7. (The phone rings) A: I WILL get it!
8. A: Are you ready to order? B: I can’t decide … Okay, I AM GOING TO have the
steak, please.
9. A: Are you busy tonight? Would you like to have coffee? B: Sorry. I AM GOING
TO go to the library. I’ve been planning to study all day.
10. A: Why are you carrying a hammer? B: I AM GOING TO put up some pictures.