'Will' or 'Going to' - Talking about Future plans - (English Grammar Lesson)

Introduction

This tutorial will help you understand how to talk about future plans in English using "will" and "going to." These two forms serve different purposes in expressing future intentions, and mastering their usage will enhance your communication skills.

Step 1: Understanding Rapid Decisions

When to use "will":

• Use "will" for decisions made at the moment of speaking.
• Example:
  • Situation: A friend invites you for coffee.
  • Response: "I will join you."

Practical Tip:

• Remember that "will" often implies a spontaneous decision without prior planning.

Step 2: Recognizing Pre-Planned Decisions

When to use "going to":

• Use "going to" for decisions that were made before the moment of speaking, especially when arrangements have been made.
• Example:
  • Situation: You have already decided to meet a friend.
  • Response: "I am going to have coffee with Harry this evening."

Practical Tip:

• Ensure that you’ve made arrangements or commitments before using "going to."

Step 3: Assessing Certainty in Decisions

Understanding certainty levels:

• "Going to" indicates a higher level of certainty (100%) about future plans since they are pre-planned.
• "Will" reflects a lower level of certainty (85-90%) for spontaneous decisions.

Practical Tip:

• If you are unsure about your plans, consider using phrases like "probably," "possibly," "I hope," or "I think" with "will" to express your uncertainty.
  • Example: "I’ll probably see you next summer."

Step 4: Using Expressions of Uncertainty

Expressing lower certainty with "will":

• When you are less sure about future events, use "will" combined with expressions of uncertainty.
• Examples:
  • "I think we’ll get along well." (50-70% sure)
  • "I’ll possibly spend these vacations in Hawaii." (70% sure)

Practical Tip:

• Utilize these expressions to soften your statements and convey your level of certainty.

Conclusion

By distinguishing between "will" and "going to," you can express your future plans more clearly and accurately. Remember the key points:

• Use "will" for spontaneous decisions.
• Use "going to" for pre-planned actions.
• Assess your certainty and express it appropriately.

Next steps include practicing these structures in conversation and considering taking quizzes or interactive exercises to reinforce your understanding.