Lesson

I will and I'm going to (predictions)

Will vs going to

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

I will and I'm going to (predictions)

This lesson explains the difference between 'will' and 'be going to' when we talk about the future, especially for predictions. Both forms can express future events, but speakers choose one depending on evidence, intention, or spontaneity.

  • 'Will' is often used for spontaneous decisions, promises, and predictions without clear evidence.
  • 'Be going to' is used for plans/intentions and predictions based on present evidence.
  • Context and time expressions help you choose the correct form.

Table

Will vs. Going to — When to use

Form Use Example
will + base verb Spontaneous decisions, promises, predictions without evidence I'll answer the phone.
be (am/is/are) + going to + base verb Planned intentions, predictions with present evidence It's going to rain (look at the clouds).
will + probably / might General predictions or opinions about the future They will probably finish the project next week.
Present continuous for arranged future Fixed plans/arrangements (often with time/place) I'm meeting the client on Tuesday.

Tip

Key rule: Evidence vs. decision

Choose the future form based on whether you have present evidence or you are deciding at the moment:

  • Use 'be going to' for predictions with present evidence (signs you can see or hear).
  • Use 'will' for decisions made on the spot, promises, or when you express an opinion about the future.
  • For planned intentions already decided, use 'be going to' or the present continuous for arranged events.

Mnemonic: 'evidence' → 'going to'; 'instant decision' → 'will'

Example

Examples in context

I'm going to hire two new developers next month.

Look at those dark clouds — it is going to rain.

I'll send the report after the meeting.

They will probably approve the budget.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when choosing 'will' vs 'going to':

  • Using 'will' for a plan that was already decided — use 'going to' or present continuous.
  • Using 'going to' without the auxiliary verb (e.g., saying 'I going to' instead of 'I am going to').
  • Confusing predictions with evidence vs. predictions without evidence (context matters).
  • Overusing 'will' for every future reference instead of choosing the more precise form.

Check whether the action is planned, based on evidence, or decided in the moment before choosing the form.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence for a spontaneous action (the phone is ringing now):

Hint: Is the decision made now or planned beforehand?

Quiz

Complete: Look at those clouds. It _____ rain soon.

Hint: Think about predictions that have visible signs or evidence

Quiz

Choose the best sentence for a planned action (the speaker already bought the ticket):

Hint: Is the action already planned or decided before speaking?

Key Points

GrammarPoint

will

modal auxiliary CEFR B1 //wɪl//

Used to express future actions, decisions made at the moment, promises, or predictions without present evidence.

I'll call you after the meeting.

GrammarPoint

be going to

future construction CEFR B1 //bi ˈɡoʊɪŋ tuː//

Used to talk about planned intentions or predictions based on present evidence.

She's going to start the project next week.

Vocabulary

prediction

noun CEFR B1 //prɪˈdɪkʃən//

A statement about what you think will happen in the future.

My prediction is that sales will increase next quarter.

Expression

spontaneous decision

expression CEFR B2 //spɒnˈteɪniəs dɪˈsɪʒən//

A decision made immediately at the moment of speaking, without prior planning.

I'll take the last copy — a spontaneous decision during the meeting.

GrammarPoint

present evidence

noun phrase CEFR B2 //ˈprɛzənt ˈɛvɪdəns//

Observable signs in the present (e.g., dark clouds) used to justify a future prediction.

There is present evidence that the meeting will be delayed: the train is late.

Vocabulary

plan / arrangement

noun CEFR B1 //plæn/ /əˈreɪndʒmənt//

A decision or booking made in advance (e.g., meeting, ticket).

We have a plan to relocate the office in June.