will vs going to vs present continuous to talk about future decisions

1. FUTURE
TENSE
Will & GOING TO
PRESENT CONTINUOUS

2. Will
• We use will to talk about spontaneous
plans decided at the moment of speaking.
• Oops, I forgot to phone Mum!
I'll do it after dinner.
• I can't decide what to wear
tonight. I know! I'll wear my
green shirt.
• There's no milk. I'll buy some
when I go to the shops.

3. Going to
AFFIRMATIVE
Subject + to be + going to + verb
I am going to play chess
with my friend.
She is going to
visit her granny.
We are going
to have a party.

4. Going to
NEGATIVE
Subject + to be negative+ going to + verb
You are not going to
meet him.
He is not going to
listen to music.
They are not going
to stay here.

5. Going to
INTERROGATIVE
To be + subject + going to + verb
Are you going to
do your homework?
Are we going to
join them?
Is she going
to travel?

6. Going to
USE
 When I have decided to do something.
 Plans.
First, I’m going
to study hard.
Then, I’m going to
listen to music.
Later, I’m
going to
get ready
for a party.

7. Present continuous
AFFIRMATIVE
Subject + present continuous
I am seeing the dentist
at 5.
She is arriving
tomorrow morning.
We are leaving
town tomorrow.

8. Present continuous
NEGATIVE
Subject + present continuous (negative)
You are not spending
Christmas with your family.
He is not meeting
Susan at 3.
They are not going
anywhere tomorrow.

9. Present continuous
INTERROGATIVE
To be + subject + -ing verb
Are they getting married
next month?
Are we doing anything
on Sunday morning?
What time is Mary
leaving tomorrow?

10. Present continuous
USE
 Arrangements (plan that you have
decided and organised with another
person).
I’m visiting my cousin
in Paris this weekend.
He's picking me up
at the airport.

11. Predictions
• Use will to talk about something that you think will
happen.
• I think he’ll win the election.
• He will be a good doctor.
• Use be going to to talk about something that you see is
going to happen (there is present evidence).
• Don’t drive like a crazy man. We’re going to have an
accident!
• The doctor said I’m going to have a girl.