Talking About The Future: Will vs. Be Going to

In this article, we will be exploring the differences between “will” and “be going to” when discussing future events. These two auxiliary verbs are commonly used to express future plans and intentions, but there are subtle nuances between them that affect the meaning of your sentence. By understanding the differences between “will” and “be going to,” you can communicate your thoughts and ideas about the future more accurately and effectively.

Learn the Difference Between Will vs. Be Going to in English with grammar rules and examples.

Contents

Differences Between Will vs. Be Going to

When to use WILL

Express future actions decided at the moment of speaking (Immediate Decisions)

I‘ll have salad now.

Express a prediction based on personal opinions or experiences (Predictions without Evidence)

I think United will win the game.

A future fact

The sun will rise tomorrow.

To make a promise, an offer, a threat or refusal

A promise

I promise I won’t tell anyone you broke the window.

An offer

I‘ll take you to the airport tomorrow.

A threat

I‘ll tell your parents what you did.

A refusal

No, I won’t cook your dinner, you can cook it yourself.

Other examples of Will

I will call you later. (A future intention or promise)
The sun will rise at 6:00 AM tomorrow. (A future prediction based on a regular occurrence)
She will be graduating next year. (A future fact)
They will be going on a trip to Europe next month. (A future plan)
I will help you with your project. (A future offer of assistance)
I will meet you at the station. (A future arrangement)
She will be singing at the concert tonight. (A future arrangement)
The doctor will see you now. (A future possibility)
The weather will be sunny tomorrow. (A future prediction based on a forecast)
I will buy a new car next year. (A future intention or plan)

In these examples, “will” is used to express a range of future events and actions, such as arrangements, possibilities, predictions, and intentions. The versatility of “will” makes it a useful tool for talking about the future in many different contexts.

When to use BE GOING TO

Express future plans decided before the moment of speaking (Prior Plans)

I’m going to visit my aunt next Friday.

Express a prediction based on present evidence (Predictions with Evidence)

Look at those black clouds. It is going to rain.

Something is about to happen

Get back! The bomb is going to explode.

Note:

Both Will and Be Going to can be used for making future predictions without having a real difference in meaning
Examples:
I think it will be foggy tomorrow. = I think it is going to be foggy tomorrow.

Here are a few more examples of Be Going to:

I’m going to buy a new car next month. (A future plan)
“They’re going to move to a new house next year. (A future plan)
The company is going to launch a new product next quarter. (A future plan)
She’s going to start a new job next week. (A future plan)
It’s going to rain tomorrow. (A future prediction based on evidence)
We’re going to have a party next weekend. (A future plan)
The school is going to close for the holidays next week. (A future plan)
She’s going to study abroad next semester. (A future plan)
The stock market is going to drop next quarter. (A future prediction based on analysis)
They’re going to announce the winners tomorrow. (A future plan)

In these examples, “be going to” is used to express a range of future plans or predictions. The phrase conveys a sense of certainty about the future event and often implies that the speaker has evidence or reason to believe that the event will occur. This makes “be going to” a useful tool for talking about future plans or predictions in a confident and clear manner.