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

3.5. Combine the ideas of the two sentences into one sentence. Use adverbial clauses of time or condition.

Model: I will finish my work. I will go to bed. (after)

After I finish my work I'll go to bed.

or I'll go to bed after I finish my work.

1. The bell will ring. They will leave the room. (when)

2. Bob will study hard. He'll pass the exam. (if)

3. She will come on Monday. She will phone you. (as soon as)

4. He'll tell her everything. He'll leave for Germany. (before)

5. I'll be free in a minute. I'll help you. (as soon as)

6. They will stay at home on Sunday. It will rain. (if)

7. Robert will drive a car. He will be 18 next month. (when)

8. Ann will leave school. She will get this job. (after)

9. Mary will be ready soon. They'll be able to set off. (when)

10. She won't go to bed. He'll come home. (until)

11. Steven will miss his train. He won't hurry. (if)

12. They will discuss the problem. You will arrive. (before)

13. We won't go to the country. The weather will not improve. (until)

14. He is going to take a hot bath. He will get home tonight. (as soon as)

15. It will be hot tomorrow. I'll go swimming. (if)

16. Adam will call Mary tomorrow. He will invite her to the party. (when)

17. He will not write to you. You will write to him. (unless)

18. She will stay in bed. The clock will strike nine. (till)

19. Sam will have a short rest. He will have dinner. (after)

20. Betsy won't study for the test. She'll get a bad mark. (if)

21. I'll be better in some days. I'll go to school then. (as soon as)

22. We'll meet him at the station. He'll return from his business trip. (when)

23. You'll have to wait. He will be busy. (if)

24. He won't be able to buy this house. He won't have enough money. (until)

25. Everybody will be in the classroom. The teacher will come in. (before)