WILL OR GOING TO?

When we want to talk about future facts or things we believe to be true about the future, we use 'will'.

•  The President will serve for four years.

•  The boss won't be very happy.

•  I'm sure you'll like her.

•  I'm certain he'll do a good job.

If we are not so certain about the future, we use 'will' with expressions such as 'probably', 'possibly', 'I think', 'I hope'.

•  I hope you'll visit me in my home one day.

•  She'll probably be a great success.

•  I'll possibly come but I may not get back in time.

•  I think we'll get on well.

If you are making a future prediction based on evidence in the present situation, use 'going to'.

•  Not a cloud in the sky. It's going to be another warm day.

•  Look at the queue. We're not going to get in for hours.

•  The traffic is terrible. We're going to miss our flight.

•  Be careful! You're going to spill your coffee.

At the moment of making a decision, use 'will'. Once you have made the decision, talk about it using 'going to'.

•  I'll call Jenny to let her know. Sarah, I need Jenny's number. I'm going to call her about the meeting.

•  I'll come and have a drink with you but I must let Harry know. Harry, I'm going to have a drink with Simon.

EXERCISES

•   Choose the corrrect  answer for each question:   Will or Going to?

•   Group the sentences: Will - Going to 

•   Mix and match: Will and Going to

•   Mix and match 2: Will and Going to

•   Complete the sentences: Can you remember?

•   Which is the most natural sentence? Will or Going to?

•   Put the verb in the correct form.Using Will or Going to

•   Put in the verbs in brackets into the gap. Use Will-future or Going to-future

• Complete the text below: Will or Going to?