WILL vs BE GOING TO

 

BE GOING TO

Intentions/ plans

She’s going to be a professional dancer when she grows up.

I’m going to look for a new flat to live next year.

Predictions (present evidence)

to predict something that we think is certain to happen or which we have evidence for now:

It’s going to rain again soon. (the speaker can probably see dark clouds. Based on evidence)

Look out! He’s going to break that window.

WILL

Making predictions (we think something will happen), beliefs:

There will be roses in the garden in May.

I think/I imagine/I suppose… he will win the match.

Making instant decisions (while I’m talking, in the moment I’m speaking):

A: What would you like to drink?

B: I'll take a coke 

A: I'm cold!

B: I'll close the window!

Promises, requests and threats:

I promise you I’ll pay you tomorrow

Will you…?

I warn you she'll break your heart.

Talking about willingness and offers:

 I’ll help you.

I’ll go to the kitchen and offer you some food. (we’re sitting together and I want to offer you something to eat)

Will you pass me the salt please?

 

    No future plans. No arrangements.

 

Be going to or will?

Will is often used in a similar way to be going to. Will is used when we are talking about something with absolute certainty. Be going to is used when we want to emphasise our decision/plans or the evidence in the present.

Complete this short message in your notebook, will or be going to?

Hi Adam, I’m writing you about the concert tonight. I ¹ _______________ (meet) John at 5 o’clock in front of the church. I bought some food yesterday. We ² _______________ (not eat) at the bistrot because it ³_______________ (probably / be) very busy. ⁴ _______________ (you / join) us for dinner? You ⁵ _______________ (not need) to bring an umbrella because the weather forecast said it ⁶ _______________ (not rain)!

Mark