Talking about the future

English has several ways to talk about the future. ⟦will⟧ is for predictions, promises, offers and quick decisions. ⟦be going to⟧ is for plans and for things we can see coming. The present continuous is for fixed arrangements with a time and place.

Key facts

  • ⟦will⟧ + base form, the same for every person: ⟦I think it will rain.⟧ ⟦I'll help you.⟧ Negative: ⟦won't⟧.
  • Quick decision: ⟦The phone's ringing. I'll get it!⟧ Promise: ⟦I won't tell anyone.⟧
  • ⟦am/is/are going to⟧ + base form for plans: ⟦We are going to visit Cairo next year.⟧
  • Evidence now: ⟦Look at those clouds! It's going to rain.⟧
  • Arrangements: ⟦I'm meeting Hana at six.⟧ ⟦We're flying to Dubai on Friday.⟧
  • Questions: ⟦Will you come?⟧ ⟦Are you going to play?⟧ ⟦What are you doing tomorrow?⟧

Worked examples

Example 1

Choose: ⟦Look out! You (will / are going to) fall!⟧

  1. We can see it is about to happen: there is evidence now.
  2. Evidence takes ⟦be going to⟧: ⟦You are going to fall!⟧

Answer: ⟦are going to⟧

Example 2

Complete with ⟦going to⟧: ⟦He ___ (buy) a new bike.⟧

  1. ⟦He⟧ takes ⟦is⟧.
  2. Then ⟦going to⟧ and the base form: ⟦is going to buy⟧.

Answer: ⟦is going to buy⟧

Example 3

Make it negative: ⟦I will be late.⟧

  1. ⟦will not⟧ has a special short form: ⟦won't⟧.
  2. ⟦I won't be late.⟧

Answer: ⟦I won't be late.⟧