Future Simple (will / going to)

Learn how to talk about the future using 'will' for decisions and predictions, and 'going to' for plans and intentions.

Two Main Ways to Express the Future

1. will + base verb

Use will for:

Spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking: It's cold. I'll close the window.
Predictions based on opinion or experience: I think it will rain tomorrow.
Promises and offers: I'll help you.
Facts about the future: She'll be 13 next week.

	Form
Positive	subject + will + base verb
Negative	subject + won't (will not) + base verb
Question	Will + subject + base verb?

2. be going to + base verb

Use going to for:

Planned intentions (decided before): We're going to visit Rome this summer.
Predictions based on present evidence: Look at those clouds — it's going to rain.

Subject	Positive	Negative	Question
I	am going to go	am not going to go	Am I going to go?
He/She/It	is going to go	isn't going to go	Is he going to go?
You/We/They	are going to go	aren't going to go	Are you going to go?

Note Use will for instant decisions; use going to for pre-planned decisions.

Time expressions

tomorrow, next week/month/year, soon, in the future, this evening, at 5 o'clock

1
Was the decision made just now?
If yes → use will.
2
Was the decision made before?
If yes → use going to.
3
Is there visible evidence for the prediction?
Evidence → going to; opinion/belief → will.

Choose will or going to: 'A: Do you have any plans for the summer? B: Yes, ___ (we / travel) to Greece.'

Yes, we're going to travel to Greece. (pre-planned)

Choose will or going to: 'A: The phone is ringing! B: I ___ (answer) it.'

I will answer it. (spontaneous decision)

Real world: weather forecast

Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy with some sunshine in the afternoon. Temperatures will reach 18°C. There is going to be heavy rain on Thursday.

Real world: party invitation / plans

"Hey, are you going to come to my birthday party on Saturday? I am going to book a table at the restaurant on Park Street." — "Sure! What time does it start? I 'll bring a cake!"

Real world: shop assistant (spontaneous offer)

Customer: "I can't find the cereals." Assistant: "I 'll show you where they are — follow me!"

Tip You'll hear "will" for spontaneous offers in shops and restaurants ("I 'll get that for you"), in promises ("I will call you back"), and in weather forecasts. "Going to" appears in appointment books, travel plans, and when you can see something is about to happen.

Practice Problems

Fill in: I'm sure she ___ (pass) the exam — she studied hard.

Show answer

I'm sure she will pass the exam.

Fill in: Look out! That vase ___ (fall)!

Show answer

That vase is going to fall! (evidence visible)

Make negative with will: He will come to the meeting.

Show answer

He won't come to the meeting.

Make a question with going to: They are going to move house.

Show answer

Are they going to move house?