English Grammar: Future Tense Will and Going To – 2nd Year Secondary – Algeria

Future Tense: Will and Going To

In English, there are two main ways to express the future: “will” and “going to”. They have different uses.

Will + Base Verb

Formation: Subject + will + base verb. Negative: will not (won’t). Question: Will + subject + base verb?

Uses:

• Predictions (no evidence): I think it will rain tomorrow.
• Spontaneous decisions: The phone is ringing. I will answer it.
• Promises and offers: I will help you with your homework.
• Requests: Will you open the door, please?

Going To + Base Verb

Formation: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb.

Uses:

• Plans and intentions: I am going to study medicine next year.
• Predictions with evidence: Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.

Comparison

Will is used for spontaneous decisions and predictions without evidence.

Going to is used for pre-planned intentions and predictions with evidence.

Examples: “I’m thirsty. I will get a glass of water.” (spontaneous) vs “I am going to visit my grandmother this weekend.” (plan)

Exercises

1. Complete with will or going to: “I (call) ___ you later. She (buy) ___ a new car next week.”
2. Make predictions: “The sky is dark. It ___ ___ ___ rain.”
3. Correct the mistakes: “I will going to the cinema tonight.”

For more English lessons, check Present Simple Tense and Past Simple Tense.