going to vs will vs present continuous for the future
Three ways to talk about the future — plans (going to), decisions and predictions (will), and fixed arrangements (present continuous).
A — Sample sentences (going to, will, present continuous)
Read all twelve sentences first. Notice the vocabulary: tall, wavy, blonde, freckles, shy, generous, bald, tanned, and more from your word tables.
1) going to — a plan or intention before now
You decided earlier; there is often evidence now.
- My tall, well-built cousin is going to dye his wavy hair blonde before Friday.
- She is going to ask him what he looks like — he is medium height with dark hair.
- I am not going to call him skinny — he is stocky, and a little overweight.
- They are going to invite their generous, sociable neighbour with a beard, a moustache, and freckles.
2) will — a decision now, a promise, or a prediction
Often with I think. Elementary Unit 11 introduced basic will.
- A: He seems shy and moody today. B: I will speak to the kind, patient man after lunch.
- I think she will look different with straight dark hair, not curly.
- Your honest, sensible, cheerful friend will still like your freckles — don't worry.
- That unfriendly, impatient man will seem more confident and ambitious when he knows us.
3) Present continuous — a fixed arrangement, often with a time
The plan is organised — there is a time and often another person.
- I am meeting the bald, clever colleague at four for new pictures.
- She is having her fair hair cut tomorrow morning.
- We are not seeing the lazy, moody colleague this weekend; he is staying with a tall, hard-working neighbour.
- They are comparing how tanned and slim she looks now with her wrinkled grandfather.
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — The same idea, three forms
- C — Quick reference
- Time words
Try it: going to, will, or present continuous?
Choose the best form. The situations are similar to Part 1, but the wording is different.
- His tall, well-built brother ___ get his straight hair cut short on Friday.
(a) is going to (b) will (c) is cutting - A: She seems moody and impatient today. B: Don't worry — I ___ speak to the kind woman after lunch.
(a) am going to (b) will (c) am speaking - We ___ our generous, sociable neighbour at six for dinner tonight.
(a) are going to visit (b) will visit (c) are visiting - I think he ___ look older when he grows a dark beard.
(a) is going to (b) will (c) is looking
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 4 exercises; the other 3 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →