Hyde Park Lake

When talking about the future we generally use 'will' when we decide to do something at the time of speaking. We use 'going to' to describe something that we have already decided.

• The Prime Minister will serve for another 4 years.
• My husband won't be very happy.
• I'm sure you'll like our dog.
• I'm certain he'll do a great job.
• If we are not so certain about the future, we use 'will' with expressions such as 'probably', 'possibly', 'I think', 'I hope'.
• I hope you'll visit me in Australia one day.
• She'll probably be a great success.
• I'll possibly come but I may not get back in time.
• I think they'll get on well.
• I think I'll go to bed now. I'm feeling tired.
• Let's see ... I'll have the chicken with pasta sauce I think
• I'll go to the shop if you want.
• If you are making a future prediction based on evidence in the present situation, use 'going to'.
• Not a cloud in the sky. It's going to be another warm day.
• Look at the queue. We're not going to get in for hours.
• The traffic is terrible. We're going to miss our flight.
• Be careful! You're going to drop those eggs.
• As my exams are on Friday I've decided I'm going to go to bed earlier this week.
• I've told my wife I'm going to cook a nice meal tonight to celebrate our anniversary
• I can't go out. Paul's going to call me later.

At the moment of making a decision, use 'will'. Once you have made the decision, talk about it using 'going to'.

• I'll call Jenny to let her know. Sarah, I need Jenny's number. I'm going to call her about the meeting.
• I'll come and have a drink with you but I must let Harry know. Harry, I'm going to have a drink with Simon.