Differences between going and will for the future.

Both are verbs, what is a verb? A verb tells you something about an action. Both; going to and will tell you that something will happen in the future. It looks like they have the same usage. But its important to use them correctly.

Lets first look at going to: when do we use going to?

First, when you have already made a decision. (Plans) Second, when you are sure that something will happen in the future. (Predictions)

For example: I am going to visit my grandmother next week. This means that you have already decided to visit her, but it will happen in the future. Another example: Look at those clouds! It is going to rain. It means that you are sure it is going to rain because you see the clouds. Thats why you use going to.

Now lets look at will: when do we use will?

First, for things in the future that you did not plan. (Promises, offers) Second, when you are not sure that something will happen in the future. (Predictions) Third, when we decide to do something at the moment of speaking. (Instant decisions)

For example: I will visit my grandmother next week. This means that I did not plan to visit her, but I just decided that.

I f I say I am going to visit my grandmother next week. It means that I have already made plans before I said that.
Both sentences talk about the future, both sentences are correct, but they have a different context.

Now, how do we create a correct sentence with going to and will?

Lets form a sentence using going to: always start with the subject (In our example, the subject is I) Then you add the form of to be that goes with the subject. (In our example, the form of to be that goes with I is am) Then add going to, our example sentence is now: I am going to. Now add the infinitive verb have (This is easy, the infinitive verb is the complete verb, and so add Have) After the infinitive verb comes the rest of the sentences: I am going to have a meal with my parents

Remember the structure of a sentence with going to:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Subject Form of to be Going to Infinitive verb Rest of the sentence

Now, lets make a sentence with will. Again, start with the subject: I Then add will Add the infinitive verb go Then add the rest of the sentence: I will go home.

Remember the structure of a sentence with will:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Subject Will Infinitive verb Rest of the sentence