Future "will"
USES
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily: offers, requests, promises (or commitment), spontaneous decisions. It is also used for predictions, when these are not based on evidence.
Examples:
- I will send you the information when I get it. (request)
- I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it. (offer)
- Will you help me move this heavy table? (request)
- Will you make dinner? (request)
- I will not do your homework for you. (commitment)
- I won't do all the housework myself! (commitment)
- A: I'm really hungry.
B: I'll make some sandwiches.(spontaneous decision) - A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep.
B: I'll get you some coffee. (spontaneous decision) - A: The phone is ringing.
B: I'll get it. (spontaneous decision)
Promises
- I will call you when I arrive.
- If I am elected President of the United States, I will make sure everyone has access to inexpensive health insurance.
- I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
- Don't worry, I'll be careful.
- I won't tell anyone your secret.
Future "Be going to"
to Express a Plan
"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan (Just the opposite of a spontaneous decision). It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future. It does not matter whether the plan is realistic or not.
Examples:
- He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.
- She is not going to spend her vacation in Hawaii.
- A: When are we going to meet each other tonight?
B: We are going to meet at 6 PM. - I'm going to be an actor when I grow up.
- Michelle is going to begin medical school next year.
- They are going to drive all the way to Alaska.
- Who are you going to invite to the party?
- A: Who is going to make John's birthday cake?
B: Sue is going to make John's birthday cake.
"Will" or "Be Going to" to Express a Prediction
Future will is used for predictions based on no evidence.
On the contrary, Future going to is used for predictions based on evidence.
Online worksheet. When you finish, press send. You can work in groups
Will v Going to
