Use of the going to-future

The one which is used most often in spoken English is 'going to'
The structure BE GOING TO is normally used to indicate the future but with
some type of connection to the present. To make a verb form with be going
to, you first put be into the correct form to agree with the subject, and
then add going to + the simple form of the verb
We use 'going to' when we want to talk about a plan for the future.

Planned actions in the future

We use it in the following situations:
1. When we have already decided or we intend to do something in the
"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan.
It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future.
It does not matter whether the plan is realistic or not.
2. When there are definite signs that something is going to happen:
I think it is going to rain - I just felt a drop.
3. When something is about to happen:
Get back! The bomb is going to explode.

Form
to be (am, are, is) + going to + infinitive
We are going to sing at the party.
Look at that car! It is going to crash into the yellow one.

Examples
. Affirmative sentences in the going to-future
Long forms
I am going to play handball.
You are going to play handball.

Contracted forms
I'm going to play handball.
You're going to play handball.

Negative sentences in the going to-future

Long forms
I am not going to play handball.

Contracted forms
I'm not going to play handball.

Long forms

Contracted forms
You're not going to play handball.
You aren't going to play handball.

You are not going to play handball.

Questions in the going to-future

Long forms
Am I going to play handball?
Are you going to play handball?
ATTENTION!!

Contracted forms
not possible

Do not mix up with the Present Progressive!

going to-future
He's going to read the book.
I'm going to see him later today.

Present Progressive
He's reading the book.

They're going to launch it next month.

We're going to have lunch first.
She's going to see what she can do.
I'm not going to talk for very long.
Using Be Going To
We use be going to + the base form of the main verb in these situations.
Use Be Going To
For prediction
We use be going to + the base
form of the main verb to make
a prediction about the future
based on our sense of sight,
smell, taste, hearing or touch.
In other words, something
about the present causes us to
think an action will happen very
soon or immediately.
For a plan

Example

Explanation
The speaker is

Something smells

making a prediction

good. Dinner is

about a future meal

going to be

based on what his

delicious.

sense of smell tells

him in the present.

The sun is shining

and there's not a
single cloud in the
sky. It's going to be

The speaker is
making a prediction
based on what (s)he

sees.
a nice day.
Last year we went to The speaker is

We use be going to + the base Hawaii for our

talking about a

form of the main verb to talk

planned event.

vacation. This year

about future events which have we are going to take

Use Be Going To

Example
a cruise to Alaska.

Explanation

After work I'm going

already been planned.

to play squash with a

friend.
Mom and Dad are

For informal situations

going to be angry

We use be going to + the base when they see the

This is an informal

form of the main verb when we mess you've made. situation between
talk about informal situations

You'd better clean it two siblings.

involving future actions.

up before they get

home.

Escribe el verbo marcado en verde en la forma be going to en afirmativo o

negativo, segn corresponda.
1 Lucy is very good at science. She study

medicine.

2 Jane and Tom love travelling. They take

a sabbatical year to travel

around the world.

3 Your son/not go
4 We wear
5 What you/do
6 They not visit

to university?
a dress for the wedding.
this weekend?
us this summer.

7 We hope he have
8 You/not do

a new job soon.

something you dont like?

9 Do you think I / be

good at that?

10 Its very sunny, we/not need

the sunglasses?

USE 1 "Will" to Express a Voluntary Action

"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily.

Often, we use "will" to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help.
We also use "will" when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do
something for us.
Similarly, we use "will not" or "won't" when we refuse to voluntarily do
something.
When to use WILL
In other cases, where there is no implicit or explicit connection to the present, use
WILL:
1. for things that we decide to do now.
I'll buy one for you too.
I think I'll try one of those. (I just decided this right now)
2. When we think or believe something about the future.
My team will not win the league this season.
I think it will rain later so take an umbrella with you.
3. to make an offer, a promise or a threat.
I'll give you a discount if you buy it right now.
I promise I will behave next time.
Use Will
Example
To talk about things that
we think will happen

James will

(In such cases we often

probably study

use words such as I

history at university.

think or probably.)
For official or formal
announcements
concerning future events

Explanation
I know James is interested in
history. Therefore I guess or
predict that he will study history in
the future.

The graduation

Any type of ceremony, including a

dinner will take

graduation ceremony, is a formal

place on June 3rd of or important event. Therefore, the

For promises or offers

this year.
You forgot your

related to the future

wallet. Don't worry. expressing a willingness to help

(In such cases, we are

I'll lend you some

expressing willingness.) money.

The phone is

use of will is appropriate here.

In each case, the speaker is
the listener.

Use Will

Example
ringing. Don't get

Explanation

up. I'll answer it.

Examples:
I will send you the information when I get it.
I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
Will you help me move this heavy table?
Will you make dinner?
I will not do your homework for you.
I won't do all the housework myself!