Pt 6 Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners

Indeed, the future can be expressed with either the word ‘will’ or the phrase ‘going to’. Here are examples of how and when to use each of these future forms.

 

The Future Tense with Will

Generally, ‘will’ is used with the following forms. Further, notice that ‘will’ or ‘won’t’ is used for ALL subjects.

• Positive: Formed by combining Subject + will + base form of verb + object(s)
• Negative: Made by combining Subject + will + not + base form of verb + object(s)
• Question: Formed by combining (Question Word) + will + subject + base form of verb.

 

Use Will for Spontaneous Decisions

These decisions are specifically made AT the moment of speaking.

Examples: 

• Jack’s hungry. I will make him a sandwich.
• That’s difficult! I will help you with the problem.

 

Will Is Used for Predictions

Examples: 

• It will snow tomorrow.
• She will not win the game.

 

Also, Will is Used for Scheduled Public Events

Examples: 

• The concert will begin at 8 o’clock.
• When will the train leave?
• The class will not start next week.

 

Will Is Used for Promises

Examples: 

• Will you marry me?
• After class. I will help you with your homework.

 

Form the Future Tense with ‘Going to’

The future with ‘going to’ is used to specifically speak about future intentions or plans made before the present moment. Thus, use the following forms with ‘going to’.

• Positive: Formed by combining Subject + to be + going to + base form of verb + object(s)
• Negative: Made by combining Subject + to be + not + going to + base form of verb + object(s)
• Question: Made by combining (Question Word) + to be + subject + going to + base form of verb

Examples:

• We are going to study French next semester.
• Where are you going to stay in France?
• She isn’t going to take a vacation this year.

 

Going to Is Used For Planned Decisions

Planned decisions are decisions made BEFORE the moment of speaking.

Examples: 

• I’m going to study Languages at university next year.
• We’re going to stay at the Hilton in New York next week.

 

For Predicting an Action That You See is About to Happen, Going to Is Used

Examples:

• Watch out! You’re going to hit that car!
• Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain.

 

Going to is also used for Future Intentions

Examples:

• I’m going to be a policeman when I grow up.
• Katherine is going to study English when she goes to university.

 

Source:  thoughtco.com©