English has two very common ways to talk about the future. Use going to for plans you already made and for things you can see coming. Use will for decisions you make right now, for offers and promises, and for what you think will happen.
The pattern
We are going to move in June.
I will call you tonight.
01Going to: plans and clear signs
Use am, is or are + going to + base verb for a plan. You decided before you started talking. Also use it when you can see that something is about to happen.
- I'm going to apply for the manager job.
- We're going to watch the game at Mike's place.
- Look at those clouds. It's going to rain.
- Careful! That glass is going to fall.
02Will: decisions now, offers and promises
Use will + base verb when you decide at the moment of speaking, when you offer to help, and when you promise something. The short form is 'll, and the negative is won't.
- The phone's ringing. I'll get it.
- You look tired. I'll drive.
- I won't tell anyone, I promise.
- I'll text you when I get there.
03Predictions: I think, probably, I'm sure
When you give your opinion about the future, use will, often with I think, probably or I'm sure. Going to is also correct here, and Americans use both. The big difference to remember is plan (going to) versus decision right now (will).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a plan made before | going to | We're going to paint the bedroom. |
| something you can see coming | going to | He's going to miss the bus. |
| a decision right now | will | I'll have the chicken, please. |
| an offer | will | I'll carry that for you. |
| a promise | will | I'll pay you back on Friday. |
| an opinion about the future | will | I think it'll be busy. |
04Common mistakes
I will to call you later.
I'll call you later.
After will, use the base verb without to.
Tomorrow I going to work from home.
Tomorrow I'm going to work from home.
Going to needs am, is or are before it.
She will goes to college in the fall.
She will go to college in the fall.
After will, the verb never takes -s.
Do you will come to the party?
Will you come to the party?
In questions, put will before the subject. Don't add do.