Predictions and Future Plans (Learn with F.R.I.E.N.D.S)

Predictions and Future Plans (Learn with F.R.I.E.N.D.S)

Most

Use of Future Tense

Most learners overuse will to speak about the future, which can communicate the wrong message. However, in English, we have 3 different form that we use depending on the situation.

e.g. I will travel

I will buy a car

The Difference Between ''Going to'' and ''will''

Going to and will are not alternatives, on the contrary, they depend on the situtation. If you are in different situations, you need to use one or the other.

You might get confused :(

Present continuous can also be used to talk about future.

e.g. I am going to the ''Central Perk'' tomorrow.

In this Lesson :

we will discuss how to talk about the future form and how to correctly use them.

Will

Going to

Present Continuous

for future plans and intentions:

For future PLANS and INTENTIONS, we use GOING TO, not WILL.

We use GOING TO, when have already decided to do something. (certain plans)

GOING TO (future plans/intentions)

We are going to go the France this Sunday.

I am going to live abroad after I retire.

John is going to buy that car tomorrow.

Predictions?

We also use going to for predictions. Especially when you have certain evidence.

GOING TO (for predictions)

Turkey is going to win the game, they have 2 goals already.

The boss is going to fire Mark, if he keeps ignoring his job.

I think I am going to get accepted to Marmara University, I always get the best grades at pilot university exams.

So, where should we use WILL?

We use will for instant desicions, promises, offers, future facts, or suggestions.

use of WILL in different contexts

I will have a toast and a glass of orange juice. (instant decision)

I won't tell them your secret (promise)

If you like, I will carry your bag for you (offers)

She will leave for a meeting 5 minutes later (future facts)

WILL (Predictions)

Like going to, we can also use will for predictions, but not when we are guessing, or do not have evidence.

WILL (Predictions)

I will probably live abroad when I retire

If we say, I'm going to live abroad, it sounds like a decided plan

WILL (Predictions)

They'll get married when they're ready (correct ✓)

They are going to get married when they're ready (sounds strange ✗)

But...Should I use ''will'' or ''going to''?

Don't get too stressed about telling the difference. These words are pretty interchangeably.

Use of Present Continuous in future arrangements

We use present continuous instead of going to, for future arrangements. But the difference is very small, so they can be used interchangeably most of the time.

Going to--> shows that we have decided to do something.

Present Continuous--> is even more precise and gives an actual date

Present Continuous (future arrangements)

I am flying to U.K this Sunday.

with going to, we wouldn't include the date:

I am going to spend my holiday in U.K.

With will, there is uncertainty:

I will probably spend my holiday in U.K. or U.S.A.

More examples:

Dan and Maria are getting married next year.

Jackson is starting university in September.

Open Ended

Can you tell me about a future plan using these three forms? will, going to, present continuous