"Mastering 'Will' and 'Be Going To' Future Tense in English: Your Ultimate Guide"

The best way to predict the future is to create it! Now, how can you create the future you want? You can create the future you want by talking about it, and here you will learn how to do that.

The future tenses can be confusing for beginners, but today we will go over will and be going to so you can see the difference between them. Often times they can be used interchangeably with no difference and meaning, and if you do make a mistake you will still be understood. Many students overthink when speaking about the future. Remember, the point of communication is to be understood, not perfection.

Be Going To Be going to is a present continuous construction that is used to refer to the future. We can differentiate this from will, as we use be going to, to refer to the future when there is some connection to the present. For example:

1. We are going to Cuba next week

• We are going to Cuba next week, but the decision has been made before the time of speaking.

2. I am going to the gym after work.

• I am going to the gym after work, but the decision is made in the present.

We will also go over the form quickly

Affirmative: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of the verb

1. I am going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.

2. You are going to start a new project next week.

3. He/She/It is going to learn how to play the guitar.

4. We are going to travel to Europe next summer.

5. They are going to attend the conference.

Negative: Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base form of the verb

1. I am not going to attend the meeting later.

2. You are not going to buy a new car this year.

3. He/She/It is not going to travel abroad for vacation.

4. We are not going to participate in the competition.

5. They are not going to join the club.

Interrogative: Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base form of the verb?

1. Am I going to join the sports club?

2. Are you going to have a party on Friday?

3. Is he/she/it going to complete his assignment on time?

4. Are we going to watch the movie tonight?

5. Are they going to move to a new city?

Uses

We use be going to:

1. When the decision has been made before speaking

2. When we have present evidence/ predictions

3. When something is about to happen

Decision made before speaking

The "be going to" future tense is used when a future event is connected to the present because a decision has been made. This means that someone has already planned or decided to do something in the future. It's often used when there's clear intention or evidence that the event will happen.

For example:

• "I am going to study tonight." (You've made the decision to study.)

• "She is going to start a new job next month." (She has already made plans to start the job.)

• "They are going to visit the beach this weekend." (Their decision to visit the beach is already set.)

In these cases, the speaker is talking about something they have decided to do, and there's a strong connection between the present decision and the future action.

Present evidence

The "be going to" future tense can also be used to indicate a future event when there is present evidence that it will happen. This could be based on something you can see, hear, or know in the present moment. It implies that the event is likely to occur because of the current situation or evidence.

For example:

• "Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain soon." (Present evidence: dark clouds)

• "He's been practicing every day. He is going to perform really well." (Present evidence: his practice)

• "She's packing her suitcase. She is going to travel." (Present evidence: packing)

In these cases, the "be going to" future tense is used to predict a future event based on what you can observe or infer from the present situation or evidence.

Something about to happen

The "be going to" future tense can also be used to express that something is about to happen in the near future. It indicates that the event is imminent and likely to occur very soon. This usage often conveys a sense of anticipation.

For example:

• "Watch out! The ball is going to hit you!" (The ball is in motion and about to make contact.)

• "Hurry up! The train is going to depart in five minutes." (The departure time is very close.)

• "I can smell something burning. The toast is going to be ready." (The smell suggests that the toast is almost done.)

Here, the "be going to" future tense is used to describe events that are on the verge of happening, usually within moments or a very short time frame.

Will

If we use be going to talk about the future with decisions made before the time of speaking, when do we use will? Well, we use will for decisions made at the time of speaking. There are also other uses, however that is the biggest difference. The form when using will is:

Formula:

• Affirmative: Subject + will + base form of the verb

• Negative: Subject + will + not + base form of the verb (won't)

• Interrogative: Will + subject + base form of the verb?

Examples:

1. Affirmative:
   

   • I will travel to Europe next summer.

   • She will finish her project by Friday.

   • They will meet us at the restaurant tonight.

1. Negative:
   

   • He won't attend the meeting later.

   • We won't buy a new car this year.

   • You won't forget to call me, right?

1. Interrogative:
   

   • Will you join the sports club?

   • Will they have a party on Friday?

   • Will she complete her assignment on time?

Now the uses are:

1. For decisions made at the time of speaking

2. Future predictions without evidence

3. To give information about the future

For decisions made at the time of speaking

The future simple tense with "will" can also be used to express decisions made at the time of speaking. This usage often involves making promises, offers, suggestions, or decisions in the moment of conversation. Here are some examples:

1.Promises:

• I forgot my umbrella. I will bring it to you tomorrow.

• Don't worry, I will help you with your presentation.

2. Offers:

• The phone battery is low. I will lend you my charger.

• If you need a ride, I will give you a lift.

3.Suggestions:

• The movie starts in 10 minutes. We will go grab some popcorn.

• It's getting late. Maybe you will call a taxi.

4. Decisions:

• I'm so hungry. I think I will order pizza for dinner.

• The weather is great. I think we will go for a walk.

In these examples, the "will" future tense is used to express decisions that are made at the moment of speaking, often involving promises, offers, suggestions, or spontaneous choices.

Future predictions without evidence

The future simple tense with "will" can also be used to make predictions about the future without any specific evidence or observable conditions. In this context, you're expressing your opinion or belief about what will happen. Here are some examples:

1. The traffic looks bad. I think there will be delays on the way home.

2. I'm sure they will enjoy the party you're planning.

3. She's so talented; I believe she will become a successful artist.

4. The economy is unstable, so prices will likely rise in the coming months.

5. With their hard work, they will surely achieve their goals.

In these examples, the "will" future tense is used to make predictions based on personal opinion, belief, or speculation, rather than on concrete evidence or present observations.

To give information about the future

The future simple tense with "will" can also be used to give information about the future. It's a straightforward way to convey facts or plans that are expected to occur. Here are some examples:

1. The conference will take place next week.

2. The new product will be launched on Monday.

3. The event will start at 3 PM.

4. She will graduate in June.

5. The movie will be released in theaters next month.

In these examples, the "will" future tense is used to provide information about upcoming events, actions, or situations in a direct and factual manner.

Summary

Both "will" and "be going to" are used to talk about future events, but they are used in slightly different contexts and with different nuances.

"Will" Future Tense:

1. Spontaneous Decisions: "Will" is often used for decisions made at the moment of speaking, offering assistance, making promises, or suggesting something on the spot.

• I'm thirsty. I think I will have some water. (spontaneous decision)

• The phone battery is low. I will lend you my charger. (offer)

• Let's go to the park. It will be fun. (suggestion)

2. Predictions: "Will" is used to make predictions or express beliefs about the future without specific evidence.

• I believe it will rain tomorrow. (prediction)

• She's so talented; she will become a famous singer. (belief)

"Be Going To" Future Tense:

1. Planned Actions: "Be going to" is often used when there is a clear intention or plan to do something in the future. There's a sense of having made a decision prior to the moment of speaking.

• I'm going to study for the exam tonight. (intention)

• They are going to start a new project next month. (plan)

• She's going to visit her grandmother tomorrow. (pre-planned action)

2. Present Evidence: "Be going to" can also be used when there is present evidence that something is likely to happen in the future.

• Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain soon. (evidence: dark clouds)

• He's been practicing every day. He is going to do well in the competition. (evidence: practice)

In summary, "will" is often used for spontaneous decisions, predictions, offers, and suggestions, while "be going to" is used for planned actions, pre-decided intentions, and when there's present evidence of a future event. Both forms express the future, but they emphasize different aspects of it.