Expressing the Future with 'Will' and 'Going to'

1. There are two future forms used in most conversations: the future with "will" and the future with "going to." The main difference between the two forms is that "going to" is used for plans and intentions made before the moment of speaking, and the "will" to speak about the future at the moment of speaking.

2. 'Will' Structure:

2.1. Positive: Subject + will + verb •(I, You, He, She, We, And They) will come to the party.

2.2. Negative: Subject + will + not (won't) + verb • (I, You, He, She, We, They) won't have time tomorrow.

2.3. Questions: Question word + will + subject + verb • What will (he, she, you, we) they do?

3. "Going to" Structure:

3.1. Positive: Subject + to be + going to + verb • I am going to attend the meeting. • (He, She) is going to attend the meeting. • (You, We, They) are going to attend the meeting.

3.2. Negative: Subject + to be + not + going to + verb • I'm not going to visit Rome next year. • (He, She) isn't going to visit Rome next year. • (You, We, They) aren't going to visit Rome next year.

3.3. Questions: (Question word) + to be + subject + going to + verb • Where is (she, he) going to stay? • Where are (you, we, they) going to stay?

4. Common Future Time Expressions

4.1. Tomorrow – Example – I will go meet him tomorrow

4.2. The day after tomorrow Example – My mom will visit me the day after tomorrow.

4.3. Next week Example – Adam will start his swimming class next week.

4.4. In a year Example – Sam is going to graduate in a year

4.5. Later Example – I will talk to you later.

4.6. In the near future Example – I will need a new washing in the near future.

4.7. Soon Example – I will see you soon.

4.8. On Monday / In August / In 2019 Example – I will visit the doctor on Monday.

5. when to use will

5.1. Prediction My team will not win the league this season.

5.2. To make an offer, a promise or a threat. • I'll give you a discount if you buy it right now. • I promise I will behave next time. • I'll take you to the movies if you'd like.

5.3. Use WON'T when someone refuses to do something • My little cousins won’t listen to anything I say.

5.4. Rapid Decisions I´m thirsty. I think i will buy a drink

6. When to use GOING TO

6.1. Prior Plan The decision has been made before the moment of speaking. • I'm going to the beach next weekend with my friends

6.2. Evidence Something is likely to happen based on the evidence or experience you have. • I think it is going to rain - I just felt a drop.

6.3. When something is about to happen: • Get back! The bomb is going to explode.

7. Note: You can use both Will and Going to for making future predictions without having a real difference in meaning. • The weather report says it will rain tomorrow. (Correct) • The weather report says it is going to rain tomorrow. (Correct)