CARROTTA
carrotta.net
⏩ Compendium
Grammar
EN
English — future (will / going to)
English has no single future tense. It uses will and be going to — and even the present — depending on what you mean.
1
How it works
✓ Rule
will + base verb for predictions and instant decisions: I will help (I'll help). be going to + base verb for plans you already have: I'm going to travel. Negatives: won't / 'm not going to.
2
Ways to talk about the future
| Form | Use |
|---|---|
| will + verb | predictions, on-the-spot decisions, promises |
| be going to + verb | plans and intentions |
| Present Continuous | fixed arrangements: I'm meeting Ann at 5 |
| Present Simple | timetables: The train leaves at 6 |
3
Good to know
⚠ Note
will and going to often overlap, and both are fine in many sentences. After if/when, use the present, not will: If it rains, we'll stay home (not “if it will rain”).