Will vs Be Going To - Future Forms Explained

Choose the correct forms of will and be going to to complete the sentences below.

1 A: What for your trip next month?

2 A: I don’t think we have enough chairs for everyone. B: Don’t worry, I some more chairs from the other room.

3 A: Look at those dark clouds! B: Yes, it soon.

4 A: Have you made any plans for the weekend? B: Yes, I to the museum with my friends.

5 A: I’m so cold. B: I the heater on for you.

6 A: Why do you need to borrow my camera? B: Because I some photos at the party tonight.

7 A: Did you hear about Sarah’s new job? B: Yes, she to New York next month for training.

8 A: What are your plans for tonight? B: I dinner with my family.

9 A: The phone is ringing. B: I it!

10 A: Why is she holding her suitcase? B: She to the train station now.

Fill in the gaps with the forms of will and be going to of the verbs in brackets.

1 Look at the sky. It rain soon.

2 Don’t worry about the report. I finish it by tomorrow.

3 Why are you holding a map? Because I find the shortest route.

4 I don’t have time to cook. I order a pizza.

5 Please be careful! You break the vase.

6 I forgot my wallet at home. Don’t worry, I lend you some money.

7 He has been working hard all week. He take a rest this weekend.

8 The train is about to leave. Hurry up, or you miss it.

9 I need help with this task. Don’t worry, I assist you.

10 The weather forecast says it snow tomorrow.

06 January, 2025
32
Grammar
A2 Pre-intermediate

‘Will’ vs ‘be going to’ – Future forms

The future tense in English can be expressed using will or be going to. While both are used to talk about future events, they are applied in different contexts depending on the intention or certainty of the speaker. Below is a detailed explanation of when to use each form.

1. Predictions

Will is used when we make a prediction about the future based on personal beliefs, opinions, or assumptions.

I think it will rain tomorrow.
I think it going to rain tomorrow.

Be going to is used when we make a prediction based on present evidence or something we see happening.

Look at those clouds! It is going to rain soon.
Look at those clouds! It will rain soon.

Sometimes, the difference can be subtle, but the speaker's reasoning is key.

2. Decisions

Will is used for decisions made at the moment of speaking (spontaneous decisions).

I forgot to bring my lunch. I will buy something to eat.
I forgot to bring my lunch. I am going to buy something to eat.

Be going to is used for planned decisions or intentions made before the moment of speaking.

I am going to visit my grandparents this weekend.
I will visit my grandparents this weekend.

3. Key Differences

The main distinction lies in spontaneity and premeditation:

Will	Be Going To
Spontaneous decisions: "I’ll open the window."	Pre-planned actions: "I’m going to clean the house tomorrow."
Predictions without evidence: "She will succeed."	Predictions with evidence: "She’s going to pass; she’s been studying hard."

4. Practice Makes Perfect

Use the following sentences to test your understanding:

Look at the sky. It ______ rain soon. (Correct: is going to)
Don’t worry, I ______ help you with that. (Correct: will)

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