GuidesLevel A22 min read
Will or going to? Talking about the future in English
Use “going to” for a decision made earlier or a prediction you can see evidence for, and “will” for a decision made while speaking, a promise, or a general prediction. The rule, the patterns, and a short exercise.
The two most common ways to talk about the future in English are “will” and “be going to”. In short: if the decision was made earlier, use “going to”; if you decide while speaking or make a promise, use “will”: “I'm going to visit my aunt on Sunday.” (the plan is ready) and “The phone's ringing. I'll get it!” (decided now).
How are they formed?
“Will” is the same for every subject and is followed by the base form of the verb: “She will help you.” Negative: “won't” (“I won't be late.”). Question: “Will you call me?” “Going to” is formed with “am/is/are”: “We are going to move.” Negative: “He isn't going to come.” Question: “Are you going to study tonight?”
The difference in predictions
For predictions based on something you can see now, “going to” sounds more natural: “Look at those clouds. It's going to rain.” For general predictions based on your opinion or experience, “will” is common: “I think you'll like this film.” This is a tendency rather than a strict rule, but after “I think…” “will” almost always sounds natural.
Promises, offers, and requests
Use “will” for promises, offers, and requests: “I'll send it tomorrow, I promise.”, “I'll carry that for you.”, “Will you open the window, please?” Turkish often uses the simple present for these (“Ben açarım”), so saying “I open it” is an easy mistake; the correct form is “I'll open it.”
A short exercise
Write three decisions you have already made for this weekend with “going to” (“I'm going to…”). Then make three offers or promises to a friend (“I'll…”). Finally, look out of the window and say one prediction based on what you see.
To keep going, see If sentences in English: zero to third conditional and In, on, or at? English prepositions of time and place.
Frequently asked questions
Will people misunderstand me if I choose the wrong one? Usually not; the difference is often about sounding natural rather than meaning. Using “will” for promises and offers matters most.
Can I use the present continuous for the future? Yes, for fixed arrangements: “I'm flying to Izmir on Friday.”
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