WILL / (BE) GOING TO / (BE) -ING
I will study! I’m going to study! I’m studying tonight!
What’s the difference? Let’s find out!
WILL
Immediate Decisions It’s 11pm. I think I’ll go to bed now.I’ll have a cheeseburger and fries, please.
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Prediction based on personal opinions or experiencesI think my sister will win the race. She probably won’t pass her English test.
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Future FactThe sun will rise at 6am tomorrow morning.The restaurant will close at 10pm.
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Offers / promisesI’ll help you with your homework.I won’t tell anyone your secret.
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(BE) GOING TO
Prior PlansI’m going to visit South Korea next week. I’ve already bought my ticket.We’re going to Din Tai Fung tonight. I’ve called and reserved a table.
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Prediction based on facts or evidenceLook at those dark clouds! It’s going to rain.It’s 35 degrees out today! It definitely isn’t going to snow.
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Something that is about to happenRun away! The tiger is going to attack!Be careful! You’re going to fall.
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(BE) -ING
Happening nowI’m studying English now. I’m walking to work now.
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Future arrangements (a plan you have thought about or discussed with someone else)I’m meeting my friend tonight.I’m visiting my grandparents on Saturday.
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BEWARE! Some words do not use ING!I’m going to be happy tomorrow. I’ll be happy tomorrow.I’m being happy tomorrow. Don’t use “ing” with state verbs
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Learn More about State Verbs here.
Download a PDF of this lesson here.
Download a practice worksheet here.
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