Future Simple: Will and Going To, The Complete Guide
The two core ways English expresses the future, "will" and "going to", explained fully, with the difference from present continuous, common mistakes, exercises and exam practice.
๐ Reading time: ~25 minutesโ Reviewed by a CELTA-qualified teacher๐ฏ Covers A1 to B2
1. Introduction, Why Does English Have Two Futures?
Unlike many languages, English does not have a single dedicated future tense formed by changing the verb itself. Instead, English speakers express future time using a combination of structures, most commonly "will + base verb" and "going to + base verb." Both are translated the same way into many other languages, which is exactly why this distinction causes so much confusion for learners: from the outside, "I will travel" and "I am going to travel" look almost interchangeable. They are not.
The real difference lies in where the idea of the future comes from. "Will" is used for decisions made at the moment of speaking, predictions based on opinion, and promises, the future is essentially being created in the sentence itself. "Going to" is used for intentions already decided before speaking, and for predictions based on visible evidence right now, the future already exists in some form before you say the sentence.
This guide explains both forms completely, compares them directly with each other and with the present continuous for future (the third major way to discuss future time in English, see our dedicated guide on that topic), and gives you genuine practice to build real intuition for which form sounds natural in which situation.
Why Does This Matter?
Choosing the wrong future form is one of the clearest signs of a non-native speaker, even when grammatically nothing is technically "wrong."
It affects meaning, not just style: "I'll call her" (spontaneous decision) is genuinely different from "I'm going to call her" (already planned).
Every major exam tests this distinction, particularly the difference between spontaneous decisions (will) and pre-existing plans (going to).
Who Should Learn This Page?
This guide covers A1 (complete beginner) through B2 (upper intermediate). Basic "will" and "going to" are typically introduced at A1โA2. Genuinely natural, idiomatic choice between them, knowing exactly which one a native speaker would use in a given context, is refined through B1 and B2.
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How to use this guide
If you remember one thing, remember this: "going to" = the plan already exists (in your head or based on evidence you can see). "Will" = the decision is being made right now, in the sentence itself.
2. Quick Summary
โก Will vs Going To at a Glance
WillSpontaneous decisions, promises, offers, general predictions/opinions about the future.
Going ToPre-existing intentions and plans, predictions based on present evidence.
Structure (Will)Subject + will + base verb
Structure (Going To)Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb
Example"I'll get it!" (will, spontaneous) vs "I'm going to study medicine." (going to, decided intention)
Memory TipDecision made now โ will. Decision made before now โ going to.
3. The Grammar Rule
"Will" is a true modal verb, it never changes form, takes no -s, and is followed directly by the base verb with no "to." "Going to" uses the verb "to be" plus the fixed phrase "going to" plus the base verb.
Form
Structure
Example
Will
Subject + will + base verb
I will call you tomorrow.
Going To
Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb
I am going to call you tomorrow.
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"Will" never changes form
Like all true modal verbs, "will" stays exactly the same for every subject: "I will," "she will," "they will", never "wills" or "will to." See our full Modal Verbs guide for more on how modals behave grammatically.
4. Sentence Structure
Form
Will
Going To
Positive
I will go.
I am going to go.
Negative
I will not go. (won't)
I am not going to go.
Question
Will you go?
Are you going to go?
Short Answer (yes)
Yes, I will.
Yes, I am.
Short Answer (no)
No, I won't.
No, I'm not.
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A note on "going to go"
"I am going to go to the party" sounds repetitive but is completely correct, "going to" is a fixed grammatical structure, separate from the meaning of the verb "go." Native speakers sometimes simplify in casual speech ("I'm going to the party"), dropping the second "go," but the full form is always grammatically correct.
5. Every Use of "Will"
1 Spontaneous Decisions
A decision made at the exact moment of speaking, not planned beforehand.
The phone is ringing, I'll get it!
I'm thirsty, I think I'll have some water.
It's cold in here. I'll close the window.
You look tired, I'll drive instead.
I don't have any cash, I'll pay by card.
2 Promises and Offers
A commitment to do something for someone, or an offer of help, made in the moment.
I'll help you move house this weekend, I promise.
Don't worry, I'll be there on time.
I'll carry that for you.
We'll always be there for you.
I'll never forget what you did for me.
3 General Predictions and Opinions
A prediction about the future based on general belief or opinion, not specific present evidence.
I think it will rain later.
House prices will probably rise next year.
She'll do really well in the interview, I'm sure.
The economy will likely improve eventually.
I doubt he'll change his mind.
4 Threats and Warnings
A consequence the speaker intends or warns will happen.
If you don't stop, I'll call the police.
You'll regret this.
Touch that again and you'll be sorry.
5 Requests Using "Will You...?"
A direct request, often slightly informal.
Will you pass the salt, please?
Will you marry me?
Will you help me carry this?
6. Every Use of "Going To"
1 Pre-Existing Plans and Intentions
Something decided before the moment of speaking, an intention that already exists in the speaker's mind, even without a specific confirmed time.
I'm going to start my own business next year.
We're going to redecorate the living room.
She's going to apply for that job.
They're going to move to the countryside eventually.
I'm going to learn Italian this year.
2 Predictions Based on Present Evidence
A prediction supported by something visible or known right now, not just general opinion.
Look at those clouds, it's going to rain.
She's driving so fast, she's going to crash!
He hasn't studied at all, he's going to fail.
The company is losing money fast, it's going to go bankrupt.
The baby's crying, she's going to wake up the whole house.
3 Asking About Someone's Intentions
The natural way to ask about plans someone has already decided.
What are you going to do after graduation?
Are you going to tell her the truth?
How are you going to fix this?
Where are you going to live?
Is he going to apologise?
7. Will vs Going To vs Present Continuous
English has a third major way to discuss the future, present continuous, covered fully in our dedicated Present Continuous for Future guide. Here is the complete three-way comparison.
Form
Use
Example
Will
Decided right now; promise; general prediction
I'll have the soup, thanks.
Going To
Decided before now; prediction from evidence
I'm going to order the soup, I decided earlier.
Present Continuous
Fixed arrangement with a specific confirmed time
I'm having lunch with Sarah at 1pm.
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A practical test for all three
Ask: "Is this decided right now?" โ will. "Was this already decided, but with no fixed time?" โ going to. "Is this in my diary with a specific time?" โ present continuous. The three forms sit on a scale from least to most "already arranged."
8. Signal Words
Signal Word/Phrase
Typical Form
Example
I think...
will
I think it'll be fine.
I'm sure / I doubt
will
I'm sure she'll understand.
probably
will
It'll probably rain.
I promise
will
I promise I'll call you.
look! / listen!
going to
Look! It's going to fall!
I've decided to...
going to
I've decided I'm going to quit.
eventually / one day
going to (or will)
I'm going to travel the world one day.
tomorrow / next week (general)
either, depending on context
I'll see you tomorrow. / I'm going to visit my parents next week.
9. Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Situation
Best Form
Why
The doorbell rings: "I'll get it!"
Will
Spontaneous decision in the moment
"What are your career plans?" "I'm going to start my own company."
Going to
Decided intention, no fixed date
Dark clouds gathering: "It's going to rain."
Going to
Prediction from visible evidence
"I think the team will win." (no specific evidence, just opinion)
Will
General prediction/opinion
"I'll help you with that," offered spontaneously
Will
Offer made in the moment
"I'm meeting her at 6pm" (already arranged, specific time)
Present Continuous
Confirmed arrangement
10. British vs American English
Situation
British English
American English
"Shall" for first-person future
Occasionally used in formal contexts: "I shall return"
Very rare; "I will return" used almost universally
"Gonna" in casual speech
Used informally, though slightly less than American English
Extremely common in casual spoken American English
"Will" vs "going to" preference
Similar usage patterns to American English overall
"Going to" arguably used slightly more frequently in everyday speech
11. Formal vs Informal English
Context
Example
Formal announcement
The company will implement the new policy from January.
Informal conversation
We're gonna start the new policy in January.
Formal promise
We shall ensure that all customers receive a full refund.
Informal promise
Don't worry, I'll sort it out.
12. Spoken English & Contractions
Full Form
Spoken Contraction
I will
I'll
You/we/they will
you'll / we'll / they'll
He/she/it will
he'll / she'll / it'll
will not
won't
going to (very informal pronunciation)
"gonna" (never written in formal contexts)
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"Gonna" is pronunciation, not spelling
"Gonna" represents the natural spoken reduction of "going to", extremely common in casual speech but never appropriate in formal writing, exams, or professional correspondence. Always write "going to" in full.
13. Pronunciation
"'ll" blends completely into the pronoun in natural speech: "I'll," "she'll," "we'll" are pronounced as single syllables, almost never as two separate words.
"Going to" reduces to "gonna" /หษกสnษ/ in fast, casual speech, but stays as two distinct words /หษกษสษชล tuห/ in careful or formal speech.
"Won't" is fully stressed /wษสnt/ and never reduced, unlike the positive contraction.
14. 30 Common Mistakes
โ I think it going to rain.
โ I think it's going to rain.
Missing the auxiliary "is" before "going to."
โ I wills call you tomorrow.
โ I will call you tomorrow.
"Will" never takes -s, even for third person.
โ She will to help you.
โ She will help you.
No "to" after "will."
โ Do you will come tomorrow?
โ Will you come tomorrow?
"Will" questions invert directly, no "do/does" needed.
โ The phone is ringing, I'm going to get it!
โ The phone is ringing, I'll get it!
A spontaneous decision made right now needs "will," not "going to."
โ Look at those clouds, it will rain.
โ Look at those clouds, it's going to rain.
A prediction based on visible present evidence needs "going to," not "will."
โ I am going to to study tonight.
โ I am going to study tonight.
No extra "to", "going to" is already the complete structure before the base verb.
โ She wills going to travel next year.
โ She is going to travel next year.
Mixing "will" and "going to" incorrectly, choose one structure, not both.
โ I'll going to call her later.
โ I'm going to call her later. / I'll call her later.
Cannot combine "I'll" (will) with "going to", pick one.
โ Tomorrow, I going to the gym.
โ Tomorrow, I'm going to the gym.
Missing the auxiliary "am."
โ I will not to go.
โ I will not go.
No "to" needed, "not" goes directly after "will," then the base verb.
โ We going to visit Paris next month.
โ We are going to visit Paris next month.
Missing the auxiliary "are."
โ He will goes to the meeting.
โ He will go to the meeting.
After "will," the verb must be base form, not "goes."
โ I think she will to pass the exam.
โ I think she will pass the exam.
No "to" after "will."
โ Are you going to studying tonight?
โ Are you going to study tonight?
After "going to," use the base form "study," not "studying."
โ I will be go to the party.
โ I will go to the party.
No "be" needed, just "will" + base verb.
โ What time will you be coming tomorrow?, I going to come at 6.
Cannot combine "I'll" with "going to", use one form consistently.
โ It is going to be rain tomorrow.
โ It is going to rain tomorrow.
No "be" needed before the base verb "rain" after "going to."
โ I promise I going to help you.
โ I promise I'll help you.
Promises typically use "will," not "going to," and the auxiliary "am" is also missing here regardless.
โ He's going to says sorry.
โ He's going to say sorry.
Base form "say" needed after "going to," not "says."
โ We will be going to start the meeting at 9.
โ We're starting the meeting at 9. / The meeting will start at 9.
Mixing "will be" with "going to" is non-standard, a fixed scheduled time is best expressed with present simple or present continuous instead.
โ I'll going to think about it.
โ I'll think about it. / I'm going to think about it.
Cannot combine "I'll" and "going to", choose one form.
โ Will she comes to the party?
โ Will she come to the party?
Base form "come" needed after "will," not "comes."
โ I amn't going to come.
โ I'm not going to come.
"Amn't" is not standard English, use "I'm not" instead.
โ They will to be late.
โ They will be late.
No "to" after "will," even before "be."
โ I'm going to be visit my parents.
โ I'm going to visit my parents.
No "be" needed between "going to" and the base verb.
โ Won't you to help me?
โ Won't you help me?
No "to" after "won't," even in a negative question/request.
โ It will definitely going to work.
โ It will definitely work. / It is definitely going to work.
Cannot combine "will" and "going to" in the same clause.
15. Advanced Usage (B2โC1)
"Will" for Habitual/Characteristic Behaviour
An advanced, often overlooked use: "will" can describe a typical, characteristic action, almost like a present habit, but framed as predictable future behaviour: "She'll spend hours on a single email if you let her" (= this is typical of her). This usage carries a tone of mild observation or criticism.
"Will" in Formal/Legal/Ceremonial Writing
"Shall" persists in formal legal and ceremonial English to express obligation (not simple future): "The tenant shall pay rent monthly." In contemporary general English, "will" or "must" replace "shall" in almost all everyday contexts.
Future Perfect and Future Continuous (Brief Overview)
Beyond simple "will" and "going to," English has more advanced future forms: future continuous ("I will be travelling this time next week", emphasising an action in progress at a future point) and future perfect ("I will have finished by 6pm", emphasising completion before a future point). These are typically C1-level structures and deserve their own dedicated study.
"Going To" Cannot Always Replace "Will" in Predictions
When a prediction is based purely on opinion or general belief with zero supporting evidence, "will" is the only natural choice, using "going to" here would sound unnatural because there is no evidence to point to: "I think England will win the World Cup one day" (opinion, no evidence) vs "England are 3-0 up with five minutes left, they're going to win" (evidence-based).
16. Native Speaker Tips
"I'll just..." is an extremely common British phrase for small spontaneous actions: "I'll just pop to the shop," "I'll just check my email."
"I'm not going to lie..." is a very common informal opener before an honest (sometimes blunt) statement.
"We'll see" is a classic non-committal response, neither a firm yes nor no, often used with children or to avoid an immediate decision.
Native speakers often use "going to" even when the time is technically vague ("I'm going to learn to drive eventually") because the intention itself is firm, even if the timing isn't.
17. 50 Useful Collocations
will probablywill definitelywill certainlywill neverwill alwayswill eventuallywon't budgewon't changegoing to startgoing to finishgoing to applygoing to studygoing to travelgoing to retiregoing to quitgoing to launchI promise I'llI'll make sureI'll see to itI'll sort it outI'll take care of itI'll let you knowI'll keep you postedI'll be in touchI'll get back to youI'll think about itit's going to takeit's going to costit's going to bethat's going tothis is going togoing to make a differencegoing to change everythinggoing to work outgoing to be finewill turn outwill end upwill result inwill lead towill causewill affectwill improvewill increasewill decreasewill requirewill involvewill depend onwill meanwill allowwill enable
B: I'll get it, you stay there and finish your coffee.
A: What are you going to do after university?
B: I'm going to apply for a few graduate schemes, and if that doesn't work out, I'll probably travel for a bit.
A: Look how dark those clouds are.
B: Yeah, it's definitely going to rain, we should head back.
A: Will you help me move this weekend?
B: Of course, I'll be there at 9am, just let me know the address.
A: Do you think the project will be finished on time?
B: Honestly, I'm not sure, but I'll do everything I can to make sure it is.
A: I've decided, I'm going to quit my job and start my own business.
B: Wow, that's a big decision! When are you planning to do it?
A: She's driving way too fast for this road.
B: I know, she's going to crash if she doesn't slow down.
A: Will you marry me?
B: Yes! Of course I will!
A: I'm not sure what to do about this situation.
B: Don't worry, I'm sure it'll all work out in the end.
A: I promise I'll pay you back next week.
B: No rush, honestly. Whenever works for you.
20. Reading Practice
Reading: "A Decision Eight Years in the Making"
Eight years ago, Rachel decided she was going to become a doctor. It wasn't a spontaneous choice, she had thought about it carefully throughout her teenage years, and by the time she started university, she knew exactly what she was going to do with her life. "I'll never forget the moment I got my acceptance letter to medical school," she says. "I promised myself then that I would work as hard as I possibly could." Now, in her final year of training, she reflects on how much has changed. "When I started, I thought everything would be straightforward. I was wrong, it's been far harder than I expected. But I don't regret it." Looking ahead, she's certain about her next steps. "I'm going to specialise in paediatrics. I've already arranged my placement for next year." When asked if she's nervous about qualifying, she laughs. "Of course I am! But I think I'll be ready when the time comes. I'll just have to trust myself."
Comprehension Questions
1. When did Rachel decide to become a doctor, and was it spontaneous?
2. What did she promise herself after getting her acceptance letter?
3. What is she going to specialise in?
4. Find one example of "will" and one example of "going to" in the text, and explain why each is used.
Show Answers
1. Eight years ago, and no, it was a carefully considered decision, not spontaneous.
2. That she would work as hard as she possibly could.
3. Paediatrics.
4. Example: "I'll never forget" (will, a prediction/strong feeling about the future, here used for emphasis on a lasting memory). "I'm going to specialise in paediatrics" (going to, a pre-existing, already-arranged plan).
21. Listening Script
ESL Listening Script: "Weekend Plans"
Tom: Any plans for the weekend?
Anna: Yeah, actually, I'm going to visit my sister in Bristol. We've been planning it for weeks.
Tom: Nice! How are you getting there?
Anna: I haven't decided yet, I'll probably take the train, but I might drive if it's cheaper.
Tom: Makes sense. The weather looks rough though, look at that sky.
Anna: Oh no, it's going to pour down, isn't it?
Tom: Looks like it. I'll lend you my umbrella if you want.
Anna: That would be great, thanks! I'll grab it on my way out.
Listening Questions
1. What has Anna already planned for the weekend?
2. Has she decided how she's travelling?
3. What does Tom offer to do?
Show Answers
1. She's going to visit her sister in Bristol.
2. No, not fully, she'll probably take the train, but she might drive.
3. He offers to lend her his umbrella.
22. Writing Tasks
Task 1, Future Plans Email
Write a short email (90 words) to a friend describing your plans for next year, using "going to" for decided intentions and "will" for predictions.
Show Model Answer
Hi Maya,
I wanted to share some news, I'm going to move to Manchester next year! I've already started looking at flats, and I'm going to apply for jobs there over the next few months. I think it'll be a big change, but I'm sure it'll be good for me in the long run. I'll definitely visit London often though, so we won't lose touch. I'll let you know how the flat search goes!
Speak soon, Liv
Task 2, Predictions
Write a short paragraph (100 words) making predictions about technology in the next ten years, using both "will" (opinion) and "going to" (where there's clear evidence) appropriately.
Show Model Answer
I think technology will change dramatically over the next decade. Artificial intelligence is already transforming so many industries that it's clearly going to become even more central to daily life. Many repetitive jobs will probably be automated, which will likely cause significant disruption in the labour market. On the other hand, new industries will almost certainly emerge to replace them. Given how quickly electric vehicles are being adopted, I think it's safe to say that petrol cars are going to become increasingly rare. Overall, I believe the next ten years will bring more change than the previous twenty.
23. Speaking Tasks
Discussion Questions
What are you going to do this weekend?
What do you think the world will look like in fifty years?
Have you made any promises recently? What did you promise?
What spontaneous decisions have you made recently?
What are your career plans for the next five years?
Role Play: Making Offers and Promises
Practise a conversation where one person describes a problem and the other spontaneously offers help using "will": "I'll help you with that," "I'll take care of it."
Cambridge Speaking-Style Questions
What are your plans for next summer?
Do you think you will travel a lot in the future?
IELTS Speaking-Style Questions
Describe a goal you are going to achieve in the next few years.
How do you think your country will change in the next twenty years?
24. Exercises
A. Will or Going To? Gap Fill (30 questions)
Choose the correct form based on context.
1. The phone is ringing, I ___ (get) it!
2. Look at those clouds, it ___ (rain).
3. I've decided, I ___ (start) my own business.
4. I think she ___ (pass) the exam.
5. I promise I ___ (call) you tomorrow.
6. What are you ___ (do) after graduation?
7. She's driving too fast, she ___ (crash)!
8. I'm thirsty, I think I ___ (have) some water.
9. We ___ (move) to Spain next year, we've already decided.
10. ___ you ___ (help) me carry this?
11. He hasn't studied at all, he ___ (fail).
12. I don't have cash, I ___ (pay) by card.
13. They ___ (get married) next summer, the date is set.
14. I'm sure it ___ (be) fine in the end.
15. Don't worry, I ___ (be) there on time.
16. ___ you ___ (apply) for that job?
17. The company is losing money fast, it ___ (go) bankrupt.
18. I ___ (never/forget) this moment.
19. We ___ (redecorate) the kitchen, we've been planning it for months.
20. If you don't apologise, I ___ (not/speak) to you again.
21. I think house prices ___ (rise) next year.
22. Look! She ___ (drop) that vase!
23. I ___ (help) you with that, let me grab my coat.
24. She's ___ (specialise) in paediatrics, she's already arranged the placement.
25. ___ it ___ (rain) tomorrow, do you think?
26. I ___ (never/give up) on my dreams.
27. We've already booked the venue, we ___ (have) the wedding in June.
28. I'm not sure what to order, I think I ___ (try) the pasta.
29. Careful, that glass ___ (fall) off the table!
30. I ___ (always/remember) your kindness.
Show Answers (A)
1. will get / 'll get 2. is going to rain 3. am going to start 4. will pass 5. will call 6. going to do 7. is going to crash 8. will have 9. are going to move 10. Will...help 11. is going to fail 12. will pay 13. are going to get married 14. will be 15. will be 16. Are...going to apply 17. is going to go 18. will never forget 19. are going to redecorate 20. will not speak 21. will rise 22. is going to drop 23. will help 24. going to specialise 25. Will...rain 26. will never give up 27. are going to have 28. will try 29. is going to fall 30. will always remember
B. Multiple Choice (20 questions)
1. The doorbell rings: "I ___ get it!" (a) will (b) am going to
2. "What are your career plans?" "I ___ start my own company." (a) will (b) am going to
3. Dark clouds: "It ___ rain." (a) will (b) is going to
4. "I think the team ___ win." (general opinion) (a) will (b) is going to
5. "I ___ help you with that," offered spontaneously. (a) will (b) am going to
6. She's driving too fast, she ___ crash. (a) will (b) is going to
7. I promise I ___ call you. (a) will (b) am going to
8. We've already decided, we ___ move to Leeds. (a) will (b) are going to
Show Answers (B)
1.a 2.b 3.b 4.a 5.a 6.b 7.a 8.b
C. Error Correction (15 questions)
1. I think it going to rain.
2. I wills call you tomorrow.
3. She will to help you.
4. Do you will come tomorrow?
5. I am going to to study tonight.
6. I'll going to call her later.
7. We going to visit Paris next month.
8. He will goes to the meeting.
9. Are you going to studying tonight?
10. She not going to come.
Show Answers (C)
1. I think it's going to rain.
2. I will call you tomorrow.
3. She will help you.
4. Will you come tomorrow?
5. I am going to study tonight.
6. I'm going to call her later. / I'll call her later.
7. We are going to visit Paris next month.
8. He will go to the meeting.
9. Are you going to study tonight?
10. She is not going to come.
25. Mini Quiz
26. Exam Focus, Cambridge, IELTS, Trinity, SELT
Exam
How This Is Tested
Sample Question
Cambridge A2 Key
Basic will/going to gap fills with clear context clues.
"Look! She ___ (fall)!" (is going to fall)
Cambridge B1 Preliminary
Will vs going to vs present continuous in context-based multiple choice.
Cloze passages testing spontaneous vs planned decisions.
Cambridge B2 First
Key word transformation tests the will/going to distinction extensively.
"I've already decided to resign." โ "I ___ resign." (am going to)
Use of English: select the correct future form across nuanced contexts.
IELTS
Writing Task 2 (predictions, recommendations) and Speaking Part 3 (future trends) require accurate will/going to choice.
"What changes do you think will happen in your country?"
Trinity GESE/ISE (SELT)
Discussing future plans and intentions is core from A2 level.
"What are you going to do after this course?"
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Exam tip
Examiners specifically reward accurate choice between will and going to when discussing plans and predictions, this distinction is tested at every level from A2 Key to C1 Advanced and is one of the highest-value grammar points to master for speaking fluency scores.
27. Frequently Asked Questions
"Will" is for decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, and general predictions. "Going to" is for pre-existing intentions and predictions based on present evidence.
Subject + will + base verb. Example: "I will call you."
Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb. Example: "I am going to call you."
When a decision is made right at the moment of speaking, with no prior planning: "The phone is ringing, I'll get it!"
When there is visible present evidence supporting the prediction: "Look at those clouds, it's going to rain."
"Will" is used for general opinions and predictions without specific evidence: "I think it will rain later." "Going to" is used when there is clear present evidence: "Look at those clouds, it's going to rain."
"Going to" is a fixed grammatical structure separate from the meaning of the verb "go," so "I am going to go to the party" is correct, even though it looks repetitive.
No, you must choose one structure. "I'll going to call" or "I will going to call" are both incorrect.
"Gonna" is the informal spoken pronunciation of "going to," common in casual speech but never used in formal writing.
Yes, "will" is the standard form for promises and commitments made in the moment: "I promise I'll help you."
Will is for decisions made now. Going to is for decided intentions without a fixed time. Present continuous is for confirmed arrangements with a specific time. See our Present Continuous for Future guide for full details.
Yes, "I'll carry that for you" is a spontaneous offer made using "will."
"Shall" is largely restricted to suggestions and offers in British English ("Shall we begin?") and persists in formal/legal contexts for obligation, but "will" has replaced it for general future meaning in everyday English.
"Will you...?" is the standard direct request/proposal structure, it asks for a decision rather than referring to an already-existing plan.
No, "going to" can express a pre-existing intention without specific evidence too, as long as the decision was made before speaking: "I'm going to learn Italian this year."
An advanced use where "will" describes typical, predictable behaviour: "She'll spend hours on a single email if you let her", describing what someone characteristically does.
Yes, "will" behaves like all true modal verbs: no -s ending, no "to" after it, and no "do/does" needed for questions or negatives. See our Modal Verbs guide.
"Won't", "I will not" becomes "I won't."
Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base verb? "Are you going to apply for that job?"
Yes, "If you don't stop, I'll call the police" uses "will" to express a consequence the speaker intends.
An advanced future form (will be + verb-ing) emphasising an action in progress at a specific future point: "I will be travelling this time next week."
An advanced future form (will have + past participle) emphasising completion before a future point: "I will have finished by 6pm."
Both varieties use it extensively, though "going to" (and its casual pronunciation "gonna") is arguably slightly more frequent in everyday American speech.
Yes, "I think it will rain later" expresses a general opinion or belief, distinct from "going to," which requires more specific evidence or a pre-existing plan.
Yes, discussing future plans and intentions is a core Speaking topic from A2 GESE level upwards.
Practise making spontaneous decisions out loud (using will) and describing already-decided plans (using going to) in the same conversation, the contrast is the fastest way to build intuition. Use the exercises in Section 24, then book a free consultation for personalised practice.
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