Hi brend10,
Will or going to?
Talking about future actions.
We use both will and going to to talk about our future actions, but there is a clear differences. Study this example situation:
Helen bicycle has a flat tire. She tells her father.
Helen: My bicycle has a flat tire.
Can you fix it for me?
Father: Okay, but I can’t do it now.
I will fix it tomorrow.
Will: We use will when we desire to do something at the time of speaking. The speaker has not decided before. Before Helen told her father, he didn’t know about the flat tire.
Later, Helen’s mother peaks to her husband.
Mother: Can you fix Helen’s bicycle?
It has a flat tire.
Father: Yes. I know. She told me.
I’m going to fix it tomorrfow.
Going to: We use going to when we have already decided to do something. Helen’s father had already decided to fix the bicycle before his wife spoke to him.
Here is another example:
Tom is cooking when he suddenly discoveres that there isn’t any salt.
Tom: Ann, we don’t have any salt.
Ann: Oh, we don’t? I will get some from the store.(she decides at the time of speaking.)
Before going out, Ann says to Jim:
Ann: I’m going to get some salt from the store. (she has already decided.)
Can I get you anything, Jim?
Saying what will happen (predicting) future happenings).
We use both will and going to to say what we think ill happen in the future:
Do you think Laura ill get the job?
Oh no! It’s already 4:00. We are going to be late.
E use going to (not will) when there is something in the present situation that shows what will happen in the future (especially the near futre). The speaker feels sure about what will happen because of the situation now (see also following example bellow)
The man can’t see where he is going. There is a hole in front of him.
He is going to fall into the hole.
Here the speaker is saying what he thinks will happen. Of course he doesn’t mean that the man intends to fall into the hole.
We use going to in the way when we say hat we think ill happen. Usually there is something in the present situation (the man walking towards the hole) that ;akes the speaker sure about what will happen.
Look at those black clouds! It is going to rain. (the clouds are there now)
Oh. I feel terrific. I think I’m going to be sick. (I feel terrific now)
Do not use will in situations like these.
In other situations, use will (see also the following examples)
When we talk about the future, we often say what someone has arranged to do or intends to do.
Tom is playing tennis on Monday (not Tom will play)
Are you going to watch television this evening? (not will you watch)
But often when we are talking about to future, we are not talking about arrangements or intentions. Study this example:
Tom: I’m really worried about my exam next week.
Ann: Don’t worry, Tom. You will pas.
“You will pass” is not an arrangement or an intention. Ann is just saying what will happen or what she thinks will happen.: she is predicting the future. When we predict a future happening or a future, we use will / won’t.
When you return home, you will notice a lot of changes.
This time next year I will be in Japan. Where will be you?
When will you find out your exam result?
To won’t pas his exam He hasn’t done any work for it.
We often use will with these words and expressions.
probably I will probably be a little late this evening.
I’m sure You must meet Ann. I’m sure you will like her.
I bet I bet Carol will get the job.
I think Do you think we will win the match?
I suppose I suppose we will see John at the party.
I guess I guess I will see you next week.
Regards.
V.
