Talking about the future
will, going to, and the present continuous for plans.
The rules
- Predictions based on visible evidence use "going to": "it's going to rain".
- Spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking use "will": "I'll answer it".
- Fixed arrangements use the present continuous: "we are having dinner on Friday".
- "Probably" goes after "will": "will probably be".
- After time words (when, after, before), use the present simple, not "will".
- Scheduled events (timetables, programmes) use the present simple: "the conference starts at 9".
Examples
- Look at those clouds, it is going to rain.
- I'll answer it.
- We are having dinner with my parents on Friday, it's all arranged.
- They will probably be late.
- I'll call you when I arrive.
- The conference starts at 9 am tomorrow, according to the programme.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.Look at those clouds, it _____ rain.
2.The phone is ringing. Which response is most natural?
3.We _____ dinner with my parents on Friday, it's all arranged.
4.Which sentence is correct?
5.The conference _____ at 9 am tomorrow, according to the programme.