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Simple Future: FORM Will

The document discusses the simple future tense in English and the differences between using "will" and "be going to". It explains that [1] "will" is used to express voluntary actions or promises, while [2] "be going to" expresses plans. However, [3] both can be used to make predictions with no difference in meaning. Some examples of each use are provided.

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Andrés Reyes Méndez
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45 views

Simple Future: FORM Will

The document discusses the simple future tense in English and the differences between using "will" and "be going to". It explains that [1] "will" is used to express voluntary actions or promises, while [2] "be going to" expresses plans. However, [3] both can be used to make predictions with no difference in meaning. Some examples of each use are provided.

Uploaded by

Andrés Reyes Méndez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Simple Future

Simple Future has two different forms in English: "will" and "be going to." Although
the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express two
very different meanings. These different meanings might seem too abstract at first,
but with time and practice, the differences will become clear. Both "will" and "be
going to" refer to a specific time in the future.

FORM Will
[will + verb]
Examples:
You will help him later.
Will you help him later?
You will not help him later.
FORM Be Going To
[am/is/are + going to + verb]
Examples:
You are going to meet Jane tonight.
Are you going to meet Jane tonight?
You are not going to meet Jane tonight.






USE 1 "Will" to Express a Voluntary Action
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary
action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use "will" to
respond to someone else's complaint or request for help. We also use "will" when
we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we
use "will not" or "won't" when we refuse to voluntarily do something.
Examples:
I will send you the information when I get it.
I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
Will you help me move this heavy table?
Will you make dinner?
I will not do your homework for you.
I won't do all the housework myself!
A: I'm really hungry.
B: I'll make some sandwiches.
A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep.
B: I'll get you some coffee.
A: The phone is ringing.
B: I'll get it.
USE 2 "Will" to Express a Promise
"Will" is usually used in promises.
Examples:
I will call you when I arrive.
If I am elected President of the United States, I will make sure everyone
has access to inexpensive health insurance.
I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
Don't worry, I'll be careful.
I won't tell anyone your secret.



USE 3 "Be going to" to Express a Plan
"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a
person intends to do something in the future. It does not matter whether the plan is
realistic or not.
Examples:
He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.
She is not going to spend her vacation in Hawaii.
A: When are we going to meet each other tonight?
B: We are going to meet at 6 PM.
I'm going to be an actor when I grow up.
Michelle is going to begin medical school next year.
They are going to drive all the way to Alaska.
Who are you going to invite to the party?
A: Who is going to make John's birthday cake?
B: Sue is going to make John's birthday cake.

USE 4 "Will" or "Be Going to" to Express a Prediction
Both "will" and "be going to" can express the idea of a general prediction about the
future. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. In
"prediction" sentences, the subject usually has little control over the future and
therefore USES 1-3 do not apply. In the following examples, there is no difference
in meaning.
Examples:
The year 2222 will be a very interesting year.
The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year.
John Smith will be the next President.
John Smith is going to be the next President.
The movie "Zenith" will win several Academy Awards.
The movie "Zenith" is going to win several Academy Awards.

Will or going to?
1. I feel really tired. I think I __________ go to bed.
2. Where are you going? I __________ visit a customer.
3. Do you want me to help you? No thanks. John __________ help me.
4. Would you prefer tea or coffee? I __________ have some coffee, please.
5. Would you like to come to my house for dinner and talk about this? Good idea. I
__________ bring some wine.
6. I've already decided. I __________ buy a new car.
7. What are your plans for next week? I __________ to fly to New York on business.
Probably on Tuesday but I haven't bought my ticket yet.
8. What are your plans for the holidays? I __________ visit my parents for a few
days and then go walking in Scotland.
9. Why are you wearing your best suit? I __________ have lunch with my biggest
customer.
10. Do you want to have the chicken or the beef? I think __________ have the beef.
11. My head hurts. Sit down and I __________ get you an aspirin.
12. We need some more ink for the printer. I __________ go to the shop and get
some.
13. Look! There's smoke coming out of the photocopier. You turn it off and I
__________ phone the safety officer.
14. I cannot see how to use this spreadsheet. Don't worry. I __________ help you.
15. I need to speak to you today. I'm going out now but I __________ be back later.
16. Did you phone Michael? I'm sorry. I completely forgot. I __________ do it now.
17. Can you help me with this? I don't understand. I __________ give you a hand as
soon as I've finished this.
18. That's much too heavy for one person. I __________ give you a hand.
19. Could somebody answer the phone? I __________ get it.
20. It's really hot in here. I __________ put on the air-conditioning.

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