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
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It’s 11pm. I think I’ll go to bed now.
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I’ll have a cheeseburger and fries, please.
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Prediction based on personal opinions or experiences
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I think my sister will win the race.
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She probably won’t pass her English test.
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Future Fact
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The sun will rise at 6am tomorrow morning.
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The restaurant will close at 10pm.
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Offers / promises
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I’ll help you with your homework.
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I won’t tell anyone your secret.
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(BE) GOING TO
Prior Plans
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I’m going to visit South Korea next week. I’ve already bought my ticket.
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We’re going to Din Tai Fung tonight. I’ve called and reserved a table.
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Prediction based on facts or evidence
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Look at those dark clouds! It’s going to rain.
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It’s 35 degrees out today! It definitely isn’t going to snow.
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Something that is about to happen
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Run away! The tiger is going to attack!
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Be careful! You’re going to fall.
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(BE) -ING
Happening now
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I’m studying English now.
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I’m walking to work now.
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Future arrangements (a plan you have thought about or discussed with someone else)
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I’m meeting my friend tonight.
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I’m visiting my grandparents on Saturday.
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BEWARE! Some words do not use ING!
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I’m going to be happy tomorrow.
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I’ll be happy tomorrow.
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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.
