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by Tom Rohrbach
Deciding whether to use "will" or "(be) going to" can be very confusing at first.Sometimes, we can use either one; sometimes, we should only use "will" (or "won't);
sometimes, we only use "going to". How can you know? Below are the rules.
After you review the rules, try the quiz. All the answers have the correct grammar, but
you need to decide the correct USAGE. If both "A" and "B" are correct, then choose "C" -
"BOTH".
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WILL vs. (BE) GOING TO - Rules of Usage |
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RULE |
USE: |
EXAMPLES |
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PLANS If someone already has a plan about the future, we only use "going to". |
going to | ○
I am going to go to the concert this weekend at Red
Rocks. ○ Mary is going to quit her job and start work at Google next month. |
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PREDICTIONS /
GUESSES When we make a prediction or guess about the future, we can use either "will" or "going to" equally. |
will / going to |
○ I think Italy
will [OR] is going to win the next World Cup. ○ Channel 9 said it will [OR] is going to rain a lot tomorrow. |
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OFFERING / REFUSING / PROMISING / WILLINGNESS We only use "will" (or "won't) if we are: offering to do something; refusing to do something; promising to do something; expressing willingness. |
will | ○
Someone asks, "Who can help me?" You answer, "I will."
[not "I'll] ○ —"What's wrong?" —"My car won't start." ○ —"What's Cindy's secret?" —"I don't know. She won't tell me!" |
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FACTS /
SCHEDULED EVENTS Here's where it can get confusing... If an idea can be considered either a PLAN or a FACT about the future, or if it's a scheduled event or activity, it's OK to use "will" or "going to". |
will / going to |
○ Ivan is
going to take the IELTS test next weekend. [PLAN] ○ Ivan will take the IELTS test next weekend. [FACT] Because you can think of this idea 2 different ways, both are OK. |
© 2014 Spring International Language Center
