Purpose
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to correctly choose between “will” and “going to” to talk about the future.
Lesson Explanation
English has two common ways to talk about the future. Going to is used for a plan already decided before speaking:
I am going to visit my family this weekend. (already planned) Will is used for a decision made at the exact moment of speaking, or for a general prediction:
The phone is ringing — I'll answer it. (spontaneous decision) It will probably rain tomorrow. (prediction)
Both are formed simply: will + base verb (no -ing, no “to”), or am/is/are going to + base verb. Will is often shortened to ‘ll: I’ll, she’ll, they’ll.
Practice Questions
1. Which form is used for a plan already decided before speaking: “will” or “going to”?
View Answer
going to
2. Which form is used for a spontaneous decision made right now: “will” or “going to”?
View Answer
will
3. Complete: “I already decided — I ___ (go) to Paris next year.” (planned)
View Answer
am going to go
4. Complete: “The phone is ringing — I ___ (answer) it.” (spontaneous)
View Answer
‘ll answer
5. Write the shortened form of “I will.”
View Answer
I’ll
6. What comes directly after “will” — the base verb, or the -ing form?
View Answer
The base verb.
7. Complete: “It ___ (probably rain) tomorrow.” (a prediction)
View Answer
will probably rain
8. Is a weather prediction usually made with “will” or “going to”?
View Answer
will
9. Write the shortened form of “she will.”
View Answer
she’ll
10. Complete: “We already booked the tickets — we ___ (visit) London.” (planned)
View Answer
are going to visit
11. Does “going to” require “am/is/are” before it?
View Answer
Yes.
12. Complete: “I ___ (help) you.” (deciding right now, spontaneously)
View Answer
‘ll help