Two ways to talk about tomorrow
English has no single future tense. The two most common forms are will + base verb and be going to + base verb. They often seem similar, but they are used for different ideas.
Going to: plans and evidence
Rule
Use be going to for…
- Plans and intentions you decided before speaking: I’m going to study medicine.
- Predictions with evidence you can see now: Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain.
Will: decisions, promises and opinions
Rule
Use will for…
- Instant decisions made while speaking: The phone is ringing. I’ll answer it.
- Promises, offers and requests: I’ll help you. Will you open the window?
- Predictions and opinions without evidence (often with I think, probably, maybe): I think she’ll win.
- Facts about the future: Tomorrow will be Friday.
going to
- Plan: I’m going to visit Japan next year.
- Evidence: He’s going to fall!
will
- Instant decision: I’ll take the blue one.
- Promise: I will call you tonight.
Forms
| will | be going to | |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | She will come. / She’ll come. | She is going to come. |
| Negative | She won’t come. | She isn’t going to come. |
| Question | Will she come? | Is she going to come? |
Lots of examples
- I’m going to buy a new laptop next month.A plan.
- Be careful! You’re going to spill your coffee.Evidence: the cup is full.
- It’s cold in here. I’ll close the window.Instant decision.
- Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.Promise.
- I think the match will be exciting.Opinion.
- We’re going to have a party on Saturday.Plan.
- Will you help me with my homework?Request.
- She isn’t going to accept the job.Negative plan.
- What are you going to do after school?Question about plans.
- Perhaps he will call you tomorrow.Prediction with perhaps.
- The shop will close at six today.Fact.
- I’m going to be a pilot when I grow up.Intention.
Don’t say / Say
Don’t sayI will to go to the party.
SayI will go to the party.Why: No “to” after will.
Don’t sayShe will goes home.
SayShe will go home.Why: Base verb after will.
Don’t sayWhen I will arrive, I’ll call you.
SayWhen I arrive, I’ll call you.Why: After when / if / as soon as, use the present simple for the future.
Don’t sayHe is going to to leave.
SayHe is going to leave.Why: Only one to.
Don’t sayI will tomorrow go to the shop.
SayI will go to the shop tomorrow.Why: Time expressions usually go at the end (or the very start) of the sentence.