Talking about the Future - Will and Be Going To
Six tasks on the three ways English talks about what is ahead. Be going to is for what you have already decided, will for promises, predictions and decisions made on the spot, and the Present Continuous for arrangements that are already in the diary.
The last task needs a partner: fill your own diary, keep two days free and find an evening when you are both free.
Rule: The Future: Will and Be Going To ShowHide
be going to
am / is / are + going to + verb
- Plans made before: He's going to work at a restaurant this summer.
- Predictions from what you can see: Look at those clouds! It's going to rain.
will
- Decisions on the spot: The phone is ringing. – I'll answer it.
- Promises: We'll tidy the house. We promise!
- Predictions, what you think: I think it will be sunny tomorrow.
- Offers: I'll carry your bag.
- Requests: Will you close the window, please?
- Threats: Stop it or I'll tell Mum!
Present Continuous
Arrangements – fixed plans with a day or time, the kind you write in a diary:
We are having a staff meeting next Monday.
Sue is starting an English course next summer.
Planned before? going to: I'm going to play basketball with Peter. Decided right now? will: It's cold. – I'll close the window.
Tasks
Categories
be going to
am / is / are + going to + verb
- Plans made before: He's going to work at a restaurant this summer.
- Predictions from what you can see: Look at those clouds! It's going to rain.
will
- Decisions on the spot: The phone is ringing. – I'll answer it.
- Promises: We'll tidy the house. We promise!
- Predictions, what you think: I think it will be sunny tomorrow.
- Offers: I'll carry your bag.
- Requests: Will you close the window, please?
- Threats: Stop it or I'll tell Mum!
Present Continuous
Arrangements – fixed plans with a day or time, the kind you write in a diary:
We are having a staff meeting next Monday.
Sue is starting an English course next summer.
Planned before? going to: I'm going to play basketball with Peter. Decided right now? will: It's cold. – I'll close the window.