will / going to

grammar (future)/wɪl, ˈɡoʊɪŋ tuː/ 🔊 listen

English has two main ways to talk about the future: will and be going to. In short: will = spontaneous decision/prediction; going to = a prior plan/intention or evidence.

📖 Meanings

1will = a decision made now
"I'll help you." — (decided just now)
2going to = a prior plan/intention
"I'm going to study tonight." — (already planned)
3will = a general prediction
"It will rain tomorrow." — (prediction)
4going to = prediction from evidence
"Look at those clouds — it's going to rain." — (evidence now)

🔄 Often confused

will vs going to →will vs shall →present continuous (future) →

💬 Rules

will → spontaneousgoing to → planboth → prediction
❓ “The phone's ringing — I'll get it.” Why will?