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Ch 1

Future Forms

Will, going to, and Present Continuous for the future.

Will · Going to · Present Continuous · Differences
B1 · Pre-intermediate

Three ways to talk about the future

will + infinitive
Prediction · spontaneous decision · promise · offer
going to + infinitive
Planned intention · prediction based on evidence
Present Continuous
Fixed future arrangement · diary event

Will

Prediction · spontaneous decision · promise
will + infinitive (no to)
Experts predict that artificial intelligence will transform the job market.
Prediction based on knowledge or belief.
I will help you with your assignment — no problem.
Spontaneous offer or promise.

Going to

Plans and evidence-based predictions
am / is / are + going to + infinitive
We are going to reduce our carbon footprint this year.
Decided plan — we have already decided.
Look at those clouds — it is going to rain.
Prediction based on present evidence.

Present Continuous for the future

Fixed arrangement — booked, confirmed, diary entry
am / is / are + verb-ing + future time
I am checking in at the hotel at 3pm tomorrow.
Booked arrangement — already confirmed.
They are meeting the tutor on Friday morning.
Scheduled appointment.

Common mistakes

Where learners go wrong most often

I will to call you later.
→
I will call you later.
No 'to' after will
The train is going to arrives at 8.
→
The train is going to arrive at 8.
Going to + base form, no -s
Look at those clouds! It'll rain.
→
It is going to rain.
Evidence → going to, not will
I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow.
→
I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow.
Present continuous for fixed future plans — this one is actually correct!

Summary

Will
Predictions · offers · promises · spontaneous decisions
Going to
Plans already decided · evidence-based predictions
Present Continuous
Fixed arrangements already arranged or booked
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