Future with Will or Be Going To

Future with Will or Be Going To

Use

Use will or be going to to make predictions about the future. 

Form

Affirmative (+)

Computers will perform many functions.

People are going to have more free time. 

Negative (–)

Computers won’t have feelings.

Machines aren’t going to control us.  

Questions (?)

Will people eat artificial food?

Are we going to travel to other planets?

Answers (Opinions)

I don’t think so.

I hope not.

I think so.

I guess so.

Use

We also use will when we decide to do something at the time we’re speaking, such as for offers or promises.

We don’t have any milk. I’ll get some from the store. 

Will versus Be Going To 

Use the future progressive (will + be + present participle) for continuous actions in the future. Or use be going to + be + present participle

Affirmative (+) 

(At) this time tomorrow, I’ll be swimming in the ocean.

OR I’m going to be swimming…

A week from today, I’ll be relaxing on the beach.

OR I’m going to be relaxing…

By the year 3000, people will be living to the age of 120.

OR They are going to be living… 

Questions (?) 

Will you be working on the weekend? 

Short Answers (+) Yes, I will.

Short Answers (–)No, I won’t

Are they going to be taking the test, too?

Yes, they are.

No, they aren’t