Ch 2
Future Forms
Will, going to, and Present Continuous for the future.
will
predictions · decisions made now · offers · promises
going to
plans you have already made · predictions from what you can see
present continuous
arrangements with a time, place or other people
will + base verb (no to)
I think it will be sunny tomorrow.
Prediction — what I think or believe.
"The door's open." "I'll close it."
Decision at the moment of speaking.
I'll help you with your bags.
Offer or promise.
am / is / are + going to + base verb
We're going to visit my cousins this summer.
A plan — decided before now.
Look at those clouds — it's going to rain.
A prediction from what we can see now.
am / is / are + verb-ing + future time
I'm meeting Leo at the cinema at 7.
Arranged with another person.
We're flying to Rome on Friday.
Booked — the tickets are bought.
going to and the present continuous are often both possible for plans. Use the present continuous when the time and place are fixed.
I will to call you later.
→
I will call you later.
no to after will
Look at those clouds! It will rain.
→
It's going to rain.
evidence you can see → going to
"The phone's ringing." "I'm going to answer it."
→
"I'll answer it."
decision at this moment → will
She is going to arrives at six.
→
She is going to arrive at six.
going to + base verb
Talk about your future — choose the right form.
1
What are you doing this weekend? (arrangements)
2
What are you going to do next summer? (plans)
3
What do you think the world will be like in 2050? (predictions)
4
Your teacher says a problem. Offer to help with I'll…
Recap
will
prediction · decision now · offer
I'll help you.
going to
plan · evidence
It's going to rain.
present continuous
fixed arrangement
I'm meeting Leo at 7.