Future Forms: Will vs Be Going To

At the A2 level, you need to know the difference between “will” and “be going to” for future forms. A free English grammar test with full explanations, examples, and practice questions to help you understand how to make predictions, plans, and decisions.

Future Forms: Will vs Be Going To

There are many ways to talk about the future in English. Will and be going to are two common forms. We use both to talk about things that will happen, but we use them in different ways.

1. Will

We use will to:

• Make decisions at the moment of speaking. Example: I’m tired. I will take a nap.
• Make promises. Example: I will help you with your homework.
• Predict the future based on our opinion or experience. Example: I think it will rain tomorrow.

Structure:

• Positive: Subject + will + verb Example: She will call you later.
• Negative: Subject + will not (won’t) + verb Example: He won’t be late.
• Question: Will + subject + verb? Example: Will you come to the party?

2. Be Going To

We use be going to to:

• Talk about plans or intentions. Example: I am going to visit my grandparents next weekend.
• Predict the future based on present evidence. Example: Look at those clouds. It is going to rain.

Structure:

• Positive: Subject + am/is/are + going to + verb Example: They are going to study English.
• Negative: Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + verb Example: She is not going to eat that.
• Question: Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + verb? Example: Are you going to watch TV tonight?

3. Key Differences

• Use will for promises, decisions made right now, and general predictions.
• Use “be going to” for plans and predictions that are based on clear proof.

4. Quick Tips for Students in A2

• If you decide now: will
• If you already have a plan: be going to
• If you see something that shows the future will happen: be going to

If you practice these forms, you’ll be able to talk about your plans and predictions for the future clearly and correctly.

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