미래표현 Future - Will vs. Going to~, English Grammar Rules

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Future - Will vs. Going to
English Grammar Rules

https://www.grammar.cl/Notes/Future_Will_vs_Going.htm

A very confusing concept is when to use WILL and when to use BE GOING TO when we refer the future.

Both refer to the future and there is a slight difference between the two 

though in most cases they can be used interchangeably with no difference in meaning. 

Even if you misuse them, a native speaker is going to understand you without any problems.

When to use GOING TO

The structure BE GOING TO is normally used to indicate the future but with some type of connection to the present. 

We use it in the following situations: 현재와 관련된 미래

1. When we have already decided 결정되거나 or we INTEND 의도한 때  to do something in the future. (Prior Plan)

The decision has been made before the moment of speaking.

They're going to retire to the beach - in fact they have already bought a little beach house.
I'm going to accept the job offer.

2. When there are definite signs that something is going to happen. (Evidence 일어날 증거가 있을 때)
Something is likely to happen based on the evidence or experience you have.

I think it is going to rain - I just felt a drop.
I don't feel well. I think I'm going to throw up. (throw up = vomit)

3. When something is about to happen: 곧 일어날 때

Get back! The bomb is going to explode.

* be+v-ing 진행형 구조가 미래의미이면 미래에 할 일에 대해서 현재 준비된 상태인 경우에 쓰임

I'm coming home tomorrow. (차편이 이미 예약됨)

I'm going to come home tomorrow. (차표는 안 샀지만 가려고 이미 결정됨)

I will come home tomorrow. (간다는 의지를 분명히 표현함)

When to use WILL

In other cases, where there is no implicit or explicit connection to the present, use WILL: 현재와 관련 없는 미래

1. For things that we decide to do now. (Rapid Decisions 빠른 결정)

This is when you make a decision at that moment, in a spontaneous way.

I'll buy one for you too.
I think I'll try one of those. (I just decided this right now)

2. When we think or believe something about the future. (Prediction 예상)

My team will not win the league this season.
I think it will rain later so take an umbrella with you.

Note: You can use both Will and Going to for making future predictions.

3. To make an offer, a promise or a threat. 약속이나 협박 제시

I'll give you a discount if you buy it right now.
I promise I will behave next time.
I'll take you to the movies if you'd like.

4. You use WON'T when someone refuses to do something.

I told him to take out the trash but he won't do it.
My kids won't listen to anything I say.
My car won't start.

Future Predictions

As you can see, both Will and Going to can be used for making future predictions without having a real difference in meaning.

The weather report says it will rain tomorrow. (Correct)
The weather report says it is going to rain tomorrow. (Correct)

Compare Will vs. Going To

If someone asks: "Are you busy this evening?"

If I respond: "Yes, I'm going to go to the movies." 

I use going to because it is a plan I made earlier (before I was asked the question). - In this case we cannot use Will.

이미 계획이된 경우는 will을 쓰지 못함

If I haven't made plans, then you can say either: "I will probably watch TV." OR "I'm probably going to watch TV."

Both will and going to are possible in this situation because we are predicting what will happen 

(since we haven't made any plans). 계획은 없고 예측한다면 둘 다 쓸 수 있음

Quick Summary Chart

Will vs. Going To - The difference between WILL and GOING TO in English

Next activity

For more framework on the use of WILL and GOING TO refer to the student notes for each of these at:
Will and Going to

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