Future – Going to & Will

1. be going to

a. Talk about what we intend to do.

b. Talk about what we have already decided to do.

c. Talk about what someone else have already decided to do.

Ex.:

I am going to buy a car.

She is going to tell us about the ideas they have come up with for the adv campaign.

2. Will

a. Talk about something we have decided to do at the time of speaking.

b. To make a spontaneous promise.

c. To offer to do something.

Ex:

I haven’t got time to do this myself.

Don’t worry, I will give you a hand.

Note:

Both going to and will are used for predictions.

There is going to be a flight from the West towards India and China.

The company will continue to lose market share unless it solves it problems.

3. Present Continuous

a. To talk about a fixed arrangement.

b. To talk about fixed plans or arrangements.

Ex.:

I am travelling from Denpasar to Perth in February.

I am meeting my boss next week.

She is arriving on Wednesday.

4. Present Simple

To talk about a timetable or programme.

To talk about a schedule.

Ex.:

The flight leaves Denpasar at 13.30 on Tuesday. It arrives in Perth at 16.40.

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Time Clause

In time clause we use present simple to refer to future time. It is incorrect to use will in a time clause.

Ex.:

We will not start until everyone gets here.

I am going to go round the world when I retire.

As soon as I have the results, I will give you a ring.

Come and see me before you go.