Future Time (Will and Going to)
Elementary (A2)en
Will / Going to
Future Forms: WILL and GOING TO
Reminder
You already know how to:
- talk about the present (present simple & present continuous)
- talk about the past (past simple)
- talk about present and past (present perfect)
Now you will learn two ways to talk about the future:
- going to
- will
Both talk about the future, but we use them in different situations.
1. What Is the Future?
The future is about:
- things that have not happened yet
- plans, intentions, decisions, and predictions
Example:
- tomorrow
- next week
- next year
- later today
2. Future with GOING TO
- What Does Going to Mean?
We use going to when:
A. we already decided something before now
B. we can see evidence now that something will happen
A. we already decided something before now
B. we can see evidence now that something will happen
Think: The plan already exists.
- Structure: Going to
Positive
Subject + am / is / are + going to + base verb
Examples:
Subject + am / is / are + going to + base verb
Examples:
- “I am going to study tonight.”
- “She is going to visit her family.”
- “They are going to buy a new car.”
Negative
Subject + am / is / are + not + going to + base verb
Examples:
Subject + am / is / are + not + going to + base verb
Examples:
- “I am not going to study tonight.”
- “She is not going to visit her family.” → She isn't going to visit her family.
- “They are not going to buy a new car.” → They aren't going to buy a new car.
Questions
Am / Is / Are + subject + going to + base verb?
Examples:
- “Am I going to study tonight?”
- ”Is she going to visit her family?”
- ”Are they going to buy a new car?”
Short answers:
- Yes → “Yes, I am.” / “Yes, she is.” / “Yes, they are.”
- No → “No, I’m not.” / “No, he isn’t.” / “No, they aren't.”
2.1. When Do We Use Going to?
A. Plans and Intentions
(You decided before now.)
Examples:
- “I am going to start a new job next month.”
- “We are going to travel to Italy.”
B. Predictions with Evidence
(You see something now.)
Examples:
- “Look at the clouds! It is going to rain.”
- “Be careful! The glass is going to fall.”
3. Future with WILL
- What Does Will Mean?
We use will when:
A. decide at the moment of speaking
B. we make offers, promises, or instant decisions
C. we give opinions or general predictions
A. decide at the moment of speaking
B. we make offers, promises, or instant decisions
C. we give opinions or general predictions
Think: The decision is now.
- Structure: Will
Positive
Subject + will + base verb
Examples:
Subject + will + base verb
Examples:
- “I will help you.”
- “She will call you later.”
- “They will understand.”
Negative
Subject + will not + base verb
Examples:
- “I will not help you.” → I won't help you.
- “She will not call you later.” → She won't call you later.
- “They will not understand.” → They won't understand.
Questions
Will + subject + base verb?
Examples:
- “Will you call me later?”
- “Will they understand?”
Short answers:
- Yes → “Yes, I will.”
- No → “No, I won’t.”
3.1 When Do We Use Will?
A. Decisions Made Now
Examples:
- “I’m tired. I will go to bed.”
- “Oh, the phone is ringing. I will answer it.”
B. Offers and Promises
Examples:
- “I will help you with your homework.”
- “I will call you tomorrow.”
C. General Predictions (Opinions)
(No evidence now, just opinion.)
Examples:
(No evidence now, just opinion.)
Examples:
- “I think it will be a good movie.”
- “People will live longer in the future.”
4. Going to vs Will (Very Important Comparison)
Both going to and will are used to talk about the future, but the reason is different.
Use going to when:
- you decided something before now (the plan already exists)
- you can see evidence now that something will happen
Examples:
- “I am going to study tonight.”
(The plan was made earlier.) - “Look at those clouds. It is going to rain.”
(I can see evidence.)
Use will when:
- you decide at the moment of speaking
- you make an offer/promise
- you give a personal opinion or general prediction
Examples:
- “I’m tired. I will go to bed.”
(Decision made now.) - “I will help you with your homework.”
(Offer.) - “I think it will be a good movie.”
(Opinion.)
5. Common Time Words (Both Forms)
- tomorrow
- tonight
- next week / month / year
- later
- soon
Examples:
- “I am going to meet her tomorrow.”
- “I will call you tomorrow.”
6. Easy Way to Remember
Ask yourself:
Did I decide earlier?
→ Going to
Did I decide right now?
→ Will
Do I see evidence now?
→ Going to
Is it a promise, offer, or opinion?
→ Will
Related Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic