Future forms: will, going to, present continuous
English has no single future tense. Use going to for plans and evidence, the present continuous for fixed arrangements, and will for instant decisions, offers, promises and opinions about the future.
How it works
- Going to + verb: a plan decided earlier (I'm going to learn Korean) or a prediction from what you can see now (Look at those clouds. It's going to rain).
- Present continuous: an arrangement with a time, often with other people (I'm meeting the client at 3).
- Will + verb: a decision made at the moment of speaking (I'll get the door), offers, promises and requests.
- Will for predictions based on opinion, often with I think, probably or I'm sure.
- After when, before, after, as soon as and if, use the present, not will: I'll call you when I get home.
Examples
I'm going to apply for a master's in Australia next year.
We're flying to Hanoi on Friday morning. The tickets are booked.
You look tired. I'll make you a coffee.
I think prices will go up again after Tet.
Watch out! That glass is going to fall.
I'll text you as soon as I land.
Common mistakes
Wrong: I will call you when I
willarrive.Right: I will call you when I arrive.
Wrong: I will
tovisit my grandparents this weekend.Right: I will visit my grandparents this weekend.
Wrong: Don't worry, I
am helpingyou with the report.Right: Don't worry, I will help you with the report.
Practice
1 of 13Fill the gap.
Level: EGP Future: will and going to are A2; choosing between will, going to and the present continuous for plans, arrangements, predictions and instant decisions is a B1 point. Written for Gloss.