explanation of will and going to

2. Be going to
Affirmative Negative
Subject + to be + going to + verb Subject + to be + not + going to + inf.
I’m going to study English. I’m not going to study English
Questions
You’re going to study English.
(Question word) + to be + subject + going to +
He’s going to study English.
inf.
She’s going to study English.
Who is going to study English?
It’s going to rain. Where are you going to sleep?
We’re going to study English. To be + subject + going to + inf.
They’re going to study English. Is it going to rain? No, it isn’t
Are you going to study English? Yes, I am

3. Be going to
Uses
1. Predictions: When we are sure about the future because
of something we see in the present.
She’s pregnant. She’s going to have a baby.
Look at these black clouds. It’s going to rain.
2. Plans and intentions in the near future
I’m going to take a holiday next week
What are you going to wear this evening?

4. Use the prompts to write sentences with going to. Use short forms
of “to be” (‘m, ‘s, etc).
Example. It’s 8.30. Claire is still in bed. (miss/bus)
She’s going to miss the bus
1. Dave is exhausted. There are still 10km to run.
(not/finish/race)
2. They haven’t studied. They’re bad at maths. The exam is
tomorrow. (not/pass)
3. It’s 10.00. The train leaves at 10.03. I’m 5 km from the station
(not/catch).
4. There’s a bright blue sky with no clouds. (be/nice day)
5. It’s very hot and humid. You can see big black clouds and
lightning. (there/be/thunderstorm)

5. Use the prompts to write sentences with going to. Use short forms
of “to be” (‘m, ‘s, etc).
Example. It’s 8.30. Claire is still in bed. (miss/bus)
She’s going to miss the bus
1. He isn’t / He’s not going to finish the race. (not/finish/race)
2. They’re not / aren’t going to pass.(not/pass)
3. I’m not going to catch the train. (not/catch).
4. It’s going to be a nice day. (be/nice day)
5. There’s going to be a thunderstorm. (there/be/thunderstorm)

6. Will
Affirmative Negative
Subject + will+ infinitive Subject + will+ not + infinitive
I will study English / I’ll study … I will not study English
You will study English / You’ll study… I won’t study English
He will study English / He’ll study… Questions
She will study English / She’ll study … (Question word) + will + infinitive+ verb
It’ll be difficult Who will study English?
We will study English / We’ll study … Where will you sleep?
They will study English / They’ll study Will+ subject + infinitive
Will it be difficult?

7. Will
1. Predictions or beliefs about the future.
 The economic situation will be better in 2025.
 I think the exam will be difficult.
 I don’t think it will rain this morning
2. Instant decisions.
A. The phone is ringing!
B. Ok. I’ll answer it.
3. To promise or refuse things.
 I will stop smoking.
 The car won’t start (things can “refuse”).
4. Threats
 Stop or I’ll shoot!

8. Use the prompts to write a sentence with will. Use short forms
where possible.
You/have/time/finish/homework – You’ll have time to finish your homework
1. They/select/you/for the football team
2. They/increase/taxes/next year
3. Prices / not come down
4. I / not be / very long
5. It / not snow / this weekend
6. The football team / win / next match

9. Use the prompts to write a sentence with will. Use short forms
where possible.
You/have/time/finish/homework – You’ll have time to finish your homework
1. They’ll select you for the football team.
2. They’ll increase taxes next year.
3. Prices won’t come down.
4. I won’t be very long.
5. It won’t snow this weekend.
6. The football team will win the next match.

10. Will or going to?
A. The shops are closed tomorrow.
B. I will buy bread and milk today then.
A. It’s too dark in here to read.
B. Is it? I … turn on the light.
A. Can we go out to play, Mum?
B. No, we … to have dinner now.
A. Sarah has had a baby.
B. I know. I … visit her in hospital tomorrow.
A. Sarah has had a baby.
B. Oh, really? I … visit her in hospital tomorrow.