going to versus will
TRANSCRIPT
“GOING TO” VERSUS
“WILL”
ERCILIA DELANCER
ENGLISH FOR COMMUNICATIVE
PURPOSES
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
1. We use "going to" to talk about a planned activity for future.
For instance:
A: There is a good movie on TV tonight.
B: Yes. I know. I am going to watch it.
A: Why is Betty in a hurry?
B: Because she is going to meet her brother at the station at six.
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
2. We use "will" when we decide to do something at the time of speaking.
For instance :
A: What would you like to drink, sir?
B: I will have a glass of milk, please.
A: Oh, you have left the door open.
B: Have I? I will go and shut it.
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
3. We use "going to" for prediction in the near future. The speaker is sure because there are signs about it.
For instance :
She is standing at the edge of the cliff, she is going to fall.
A: What is the problem? There are strange noises in the lift.
B: I think the lift is going to break down .Let’s get out!
A: I feel cold.
B: Look at those black clouds. It is going to rain.
A: What is the matter with you?
B: I feel terrible. I think I am going to be ill.
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
4. We use "will" for prediction in the remote future
For instance :
A: How is he, doctor?
B: Don’t worry. He will get better.
A: The bridge is not so safe.
B: Yes. One day it will break down.
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
5. We use "will" for requests, invitations and offers.
For instance :
Will you shut the door, please? (Request)
Will you come to the cinema with me? (Invitation)
That bag looks very heavy. I will help you. (Offer)
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
6. We generally use "will" for prediction with the following verbs and phrases.
Believe , expect , hope , think , wonder , I’m sure , I’m afraid ...etc.
I believe he will pass the exam.
I hope he won’t leave us.
I am afraid he will fail the exam.
Do you think they will divorce?
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
7. We use "will" with the adverbs Perhaps,
probably, certainly
We do not use going to in this case.
Perhaps they will support you in the election.
Jackson will probably go to London next year.
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
8. We use "will" to express promise, not
going to
I will study medicine at university.
I will stop going to the casino.
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
9. We use "will" in a question tag after
imperative, not going to.
Do it today, will you?
Don’t look at your friend’s paper, will
you?
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
10. We use "will" to give an order or
state our wishes, not be going to.
Will you turn on the lights?
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
11. We use "will" to express an action in
necessity in the future, not be going to.
You will have to pay a fine if you don’t
pay your tax on time.
GOING TO VERSUS WILL
12.We use "will" for threat.
Study hard or you will fail.
Give me all your money or you will die.
PRACTICE
1. Sam feels sick. He ______ (stay)home
from work tomorrow.
2. I ____________ (finish) my homework
later tonight.
3. I left my wallet at home. That’s all
right. I _________ lend you some money.
4. The sky is very dark. It _____ (rain)
tonight.
PRACTICE
5. What time _______ he _______ (meet)
you tomorrow?
6. That book looks very heavy. I ______
(help) you carry it.
7. We probably ________(not/go) to the
party next week.
8. The plane ____________(arrive) on
time.