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Future Times by Mind Map: Future Times

1. Use of Will

1.1. We use WILL in the following circumstances

1.1.1. 1. For things that we decide to do now. (Rapid Decisions) This is when you make a decision at that moment, in a spontaneous way. I'll call a taxi for you. I think we'll go right now. (I just decided this right now) Which one? Um, I will have the chicken sandwich please.

1.1.2. 2. When we think or believe something about the future. (Prediction) This can be based on personal judgement or opinion. The President will not be re-elected at the next election. I think it will rain later so take an umbrella with you. I think you will find the movie interesting. Notice how you often use "I think..." before the subject + will.

1.1.3. 3. To make an offer, a promise or a threat. You look tired. I'll finish the dishes for you. I will do my best to help you. If you say anything I will kill you! I will have it ready by tomorrow. I'll drive you to work if you want. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. (won't = will not)

1.1.4. 4. For a habit that is a predictable behaviour My daughter will fall asleep as soon as she is put into bed. He will give up if he starts losing. He always does that.

1.1.5. 5. You use WON'T when someone refuses to do something. I told him to clean his room but he won't do it. She won't listen to anything I say.

2. Use of Be Going To

2.1. The structure BE GOING TO is normally used to indicate the future but with some type of connection to the present. We use it in the following situations

2.1.1. 1. When we have already decided or we INTEND to do something in the future. (Prior Plan) The decision has been made before the moment of speaking. They're going to retire to the beach - in fact they have already bought a little beach house. I'm going to accept the job offer.

2.1.2. 2. When there are definite signs that something is going to happen. (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. I don't feel well. I think I'm going to throw up. (throw up = vomit)

2.1.3. 3. When something is about to happen: Get back! The bomb is going to explode.

3. Use of Will Be Doing

3.1. We can use 'will be doing' to talk about something that will be in progress at a particular moment in the future. This time next week, I'll be sitting on the beach in Barbados. I'll be thinking about you all back in the office – and I'll be laughing. We'll be enjoying ourselves too, boss. We won't be doing any work while you are not here.

3.2. We can use 'will be doing' to talk about future events that are fixed or decided. I'll be visiting your country on a regular basis. In fact, I'm going to be coming next month. He'll be looking after the factory until we can appoint a new manager. They'll be thinking about this very carefully over the next few months.

3.3. We can use 'will be doing' to predict what is happening now. Try phoning his hotel. He'll probably still be having breakfast. They'll be deciding who gets the contract at this very moment. I'm very nervous. She's not in her office. She'll be having lunch in the canteen.

3.4. We can use 'will be doing' to ask extremely politely, and with no pressure, about future plans. Will you be eating with us this evening? Will you be needing anything else? Will they be joining us for dinner?

4. Differences between "Going to" and "Will"

4.1. "Going to" It is used to talk about plans for the future or to talk about intentions. For example: I am going to visit that museum. / I'm going to visit that museum. He is going to make pasta for dinner. He is going to make pasta for dinner. Denials are formed with "not going to + infinitive". For example: I am NOT going to visit that museum. / I'm not going to visit that museum. He is NOT going to make pasta for dinner. / He will not make pasta for dinner. "Will" It is used to talk about spontaneous, conditional, and predictive decisions (things that may or may not happen). For example: If I go to the supermarket, I will buy some bread. / If I go to the supermarket, I'll buy some bread. (I'll go to the supermarket at once) The phone's ringing. I'll get it! / The phone rings. I'm going to take it! (I did not plan to take it, I decide it NOW) Who do you think will win the match? / Who do you think will win the match? Denials are formed with "will not". For example: If it rains, I will not go out. / If it rains, I will not leave.