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Grammar: Will vs Going to

Published 10/08/2015 In Blog

 

What is the difference between 'going to' and 'will'? 

 

Both are used to express future tense in English but they do not have the same meaning. 

 

This post provides an explanation of the differences that will help you use 'going to' and 'will' correctly. 

 

 

We use 'will' in the following situations: 

 

1. To talk about plans that we take at the time of speaking

     I will have a coffee after the class

 

2. Predictions in the remote future

       The doctor said my father will get better

 

3. Invitations, requests and offers

     Will you come to the theatre with me?

 

4. In a question tag after an imperative form (not going go)

     Close the door, will you?

 

5. To give an order or express a desire

     Will you close the window?

 

 

6.  Threats

    Study harder or you will not pass your final exam

    

 

Adverbs that accompany ‘will’: perhaps, probably and certainly

     I will probably go on holiday when I finish my degree in September

     I will certainly give you a call when I am in Barcelona

     Perhaps I will visit my cousin in June

 

 

 

We use 'going to' in the following situations': 

 

1. To talk about future plans that we have decided some time before

    

           I am going to Sri Lanka next Christmas

           My brother and I are going to start a language course in January

 

 

2. Predictions in the near future that the speaker is quite sure about because there are signs

      

           It is going to rain this afternoon, the sky is grey

           My stomach is hurting, I think I am going to be sick

 

 

 

Hopefully this post will have helped you understand when and how to use 'will' and 'going to'. If you still have any doubts, please don't hesitate contacting me at: info@keelyalgarlanguages.com

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