Going to-future and will-future

Going to-future and will-future

Both tenses are future tenses.

We use the will-future for predictions, assumptions, promises and when we do something spontaneously.

We use the going to-future with planned actions.

1. Use of the will-future

1.1. future actions happen without the speaker's intention

The sun will shine tomorrow.

1.2. predictions, assumptions

I think Sue will arrive in Paris at 6 pm.

1.3. spontaneous actions

Hang on! I'll have a word with you.

2. Signal words

no unambiguous ones

3. Form

will + infinitive

4. Examples

4.1. Affirmative sentences in the will-future

4.2. Negative sentences in the will-future

4.3. Questions in the will-future

1. Use of the going to-future

1.1. planned actions in the future

We are going to sing at the party.

1.2. You are certain that sth. is going to happen in the future (logical consequence).

Look at that car! It is going to crash into the yellow one.

2. Signal words

no unambiguous ones

3. Form

to be (am, are, is) + going to + infinitive

4. Examples

4.1. Affirmative sentences in the going to-future

4.2. Negative sentences in the going to-future

4.3. Questions in the going to-future

ATTENTION!!

Do not mix up with the Present Progressive!