Be going to vs. Will

Remember:

Form	Meaning/use	Example
will+ base form	decisions made at the moment of speaking; predictions, often with I believe, expect, hope, think, etc.; offers or willingness; requests; firm intentions, promises; threats; facts about the future; something we believe will happen.	OK, I'll see you this evening at nine. I think it will be a difficult game. I'll give you a lift if you like. All right. I'll water the flowers. Will you do me a favour? I'll love you forever. I won't speak to you ever again! This holiday will fall on Monday this year. Don't carry that heavy box – you will hurt your back.
be going to + base form	intentions, plans; something in the future because of information in the present; predictions, especially when there is evidence.	I'm going to phone her tomorrow. Look. It's going to rain. It's 8 o'clock – you are going to be late again. 3) That building is going to collapse soon.

3.4. Fill in: will or be going to.

1. I've lost my keys! – I ..... help you look for them.

2. Watch out! You ..... knock the vase over. – Oh! I didn't see it.

3. This ice-cream is delicious! – Don't eat any more. You ..... be sick.

4. Here is the waiter! Would you like a drink? – Yes, please. I ..... have a glass of wine.

5. I'll park the car here. – Be careful, you ..... hit the wall!

6. ..... you have a biscuit with your tea? – No, thank you. I'm on a diet.

7. Have you decided what to wear tonight? – Yes, I ..... wear my black velvet dress.

8. Have you seen John today? – No, but I ..... visit him this afternoon.

9. Why did you buy this flour? – I ..... make a pie.

10. Could someone get me a glass of water? – Certainly. I .....get you one. Would you like some ice in it?

11. Leave the washing up . I ..... do it later.

12. I arranged to borrow some money because I ..... buy a new car next week.

13. What are your plans for the summer holidays? – I ..... spend a week on a Greek island.

14. Could someone open the window, please? – I ..... do it.

15. Look at all those dark clouds. There ..... be a storm.

Written Activity

Look at Jim's notes then produce a complete letter using will or be going to:

go California / summer holidays / by plane (quickest way) / not alone / friend come/ probably brother if decide / stay San Francisco a week / then somewhere else / hope / find / place / sleep / sunbathe a lot / take swimsuit and sunglasses / think / need them / sure / be / good holiday / join us?

Dear Ted,

I'm going to California for the summer holidays.….

Yours, Tim