Prof.

David Morales Barquero

FUTURE - WILL VS BE GOING TO

 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.

Affirmative sentences with be going to

Negative sentences with be going to

Yes/no questions with be going to

Wh questions in the going to-future

 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)

Affirmative sentences in the will-future

Negative sentences in the will-future

Yes/no questions in the will-future

Wh questions in the will-future

 WILL vs GOING TO

Complete the sentences with the correct form of will or going to and
the verbs in brackets.

1.- When we get home, we ___________ (have) dinner.

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