Will vs. Be Going To

1. Decisions Made at the Moment vs. Planned Intentions

Use will for spontaneous decisions – when you decide something at the moment of speaking.

Example: A: “I forgot my phone.”B: “Don’t worry, I’ll lend you mine.”

🟢 Tip: If you didn’t plan it before, use “will.”

Use be going to for plans and intentions – when you have already decided to do something.

Example:“I’m going to start a new book tonight.”(You planned this before.)

🟢 Tip: If it’s a plan or intention that existed before the moment of speaking, use “going to.”

2. Predictions Based on Evidence vs. Beliefs

Use be going to when you’re making a prediction based on present evidence.

Example:“Look at those dark clouds. It’s going to rain soon.”(You can see the clouds = evidence.)

Use will for predictions based on beliefs, opinions, or guesses.

Example:“I think she will win the competition.”(This is your opinion, no visible evidence.)

3. Promises, Offers, and Threats

Use will for promises, offers, and threats – these are usually made spontaneously.

Examples:“I will always love you.” (promise)“I will help you with your homework.” (offer)“If you touch my cake, I will tell Mom!” (threat 😄)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ “I think it’s going to snow tomorrow.”

✅ It’s not wrong, but if you’re just guessing (no evidence),

say:“I think it will snow tomorrow.”

❌ “OK, I’m going to help you.” (if just decided)

✅ “OK, I will help you.” (decision made now)

TRY THIS EXERCISE:

Complete the sentences using the correct form of will or be going to and the verb in brackets.

1. A: I’m so tired.B: Don’t worry, I __________ (make) you some tea.

2. Look at those clouds! It __________ (rain) soon.

3. I think she __________ (love) this gift.

4. We __________ (visit) our grandparents next weekend. We planned it last month.

5. Watch out! You __________ (drop) your phone!

6. I promise I __________ (call) you as soon as I arrive.

7. A: What are your plans for tonight?B: I __________ (watch) a movie with my brother.

8. I’m sure he __________ (be) late again. He’s never on time!

9. A: I can’t open this jar.B: I __________ (help) you.

10. They __________ (start) their new course next Monday. Everything is already prepared.

    
    

    
    

Look for clues like:

• Spontaneous decisions → use will

• Plans or intentions → use be going to

• Predictions with evidence → use be going to

• Opinions or guesses → use will

Is now the difference clear? Let me know in the comments 😊

Did you know that we can use present tenses for expressing future as well? Check out this article

MORE ONLINE PRACTICE:

https://test-english.com/grammar-points/a2/will-vs-be-going-to/

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/will-or-be-going-to-exercise-1.html

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/will_going_to_future.htm

https://elt.oup.com/student/solutions/preint/grammar/grammar_06_012e?srsltid=AfmBOoqcVaDhkJhQj_82GwlquVsuB6vh7FfxI0xf9YESSYD7O1fQANiD&cc=cz&selLanguage=cs

✅ Answer Key: Will vs. Be Going To

1. I will make you some tea.(Spontaneous decision)

2. It is going to rain soon.(Prediction based on evidence – clouds)

3. She will love this gift.(Opinion/guess)

4. We are going to visit our grandparents next weekend.(Planned action)

5. You are going to drop your phone!(Prediction based on evidence – it's slipping!)

6. I will call you as soon as I arrive.(Promise)

7. I am going to watch a movie with my brother.(Planned action)

8. He will be late again.(Opinion based on past behavior)

9. I will help you.(Offer/spontaneous decision)

10. They are going to start their new course next Monday.(Planned action)