Lesson

Will and be going to - advanced

Advanced will/going to

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Will and be going to - advanced

This lesson examines the advanced uses and subtle differences between 'will' and 'be going to' when talking about the future. We focus on predictions (with and without evidence), intentions and plans, spontaneous decisions, scheduled arrangements, and common formal uses (offers, promises, requests).

  • Use 'be going to' for intentions and predictions with present evidence.
  • Use 'will' for spontaneous decisions, offers, and predictions without clear evidence.
  • Distinguish future simple forms (will) from present continuous for arranged events and from future continuous/perfect for ongoing or completed actions in the future.

Table

Will vs be going to (Advanced comparison)

Form Use Example
be going to + base Planned intention or prediction with present evidence Look at those dark clouds — it's going to rain.
will + base Spontaneous decision, offer, promise, prediction without evidence 'I'll send the revised report now.' (spontaneous decision)
present continuous (be + -ing) Arranged future events (fixed plans with a time/place) 'We're meeting the client at 10 AM tomorrow.'
present simple Timetabled events (schedules) 'The conference starts on Monday.'
will + be + -ing (future continuous) An action in progress at a future time 'This time next week, I'll be negotiating the contract.'
will have + past participle (future perfect) An action completed before a future point 'By Q3, we will have launched the new product.'

Tip

Key rule: Evidence and immediacy

Choose the future form based on two main factors:

  • Present evidence: use 'be going to' for predictions you can support now (signs, data).
  • Immediate decision or offer: use 'will' when you decide at the moment of speaking.
  • Arrangements: use present continuous or present simple (for timetables) rather than 'will'.
  • Politeness and formality: 'will' is common for offers, promises and formal requests.

Think: Evidence → 'be going to'; Moment decision/offer → 'will'; Arranged plan → present continuous

Example

Examples in context

Look at the sales figures — we're going to exceed our target this quarter.

I'll call the supplier now and ask for the shipment update.

We're meeting the legal team on Friday to finalize the contract.

By the end of the year, we will have implemented the new CRM system.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make predictable errors when choosing future forms. Watch out for:

  • Using 'will' for planned arrangements that are already scheduled (use present continuous instead).
  • Using 'be going to' for spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking.
  • Mixing time clauses (when, after, before) with 'will' in the wrong clause (do not use 'will' after time clauses).
  • Overusing 'will' for predictions when there is clear present evidence — prefer 'be going to' if you can point to signs or data.

Check whether the event is arranged, whether there is present evidence, and whether the decision is immediate before choosing the form.

Quiz

Choose the sentence that correctly uses 'be going to' for a prediction based on evidence:

Hint: Is there a present sign or evidence mentioned?

Quiz

Complete: Look at those dark clouds — it _____ rain.

Hint: Think about using a future form for predictions with visible signs.

Quiz

Which sentence shows a spontaneous decision?

Hint: Look for a decision made right away in the sentence.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

be going to

grammar_point CEFR B2 //biː ˈɡəʊɪŋ tuː//

Used to express intentions, plans, and predictions based on present evidence.

We're going to expand the team next quarter.

GrammarPoint

will

grammar_point CEFR B2 //wɪl//

Used for spontaneous decisions, offers, promises, and predictions without present evidence.

I'll prepare a summary after the meeting.

GrammarPoint

future continuous

grammar_point CEFR C1 //ˈfjuːtʃər kənˈtɪnjʊəs//

Describes an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future (will be + -ing).

At 3 PM tomorrow, I'll be presenting the quarterly results.

GrammarPoint

future perfect

grammar_point CEFR C1 //ˈfjuːtʃər ˈpɜːrfɪkt//

Describes an action that will be completed before a certain future point (will have + past participle).

By the time you read this, we will have closed the deal.

GrammarPoint

present continuous (future arrangements)

grammar_point CEFR B2 //ˈprɛzənt kənˈtɪnjʊəs//

Uses the present continuous to express fixed future arrangements with a time or place.

We're meeting the design team on Monday at 9.

Expression

prediction with evidence

expression CEFR B2 //prɪˈdɪkʃən wɪð ˈɛvɪdəns//

A prediction based on current signs, facts or data — often expressed with 'be going to'.

Given the drop in sales, they're going to revise the marketing plan.