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Future forms: will, going to, present tenses
B1 B1 grammar · lesson 5 of 23
English has several ways to talk about the future. This lesson brings them together so you can choose the right one for plans, decisions, predictions and timetables.
Four ways to talk about the future
You have met all of these forms before. Here is a summary of when we use each one.
| Form | Main use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| will + verb | decisions made now, offers, promises, opinions about the future | I’ll help you with that bag. |
| be going to + verb | plans and intentions; predictions from what we can see now | I’m going to study medicine. |
| present continuous | fixed arrangements with other people, often with a time and place | We’re meeting Ali at six. |
| present simple | timetables and schedules (trains, films, classes) | The train leaves at 7.15. |
Decision or plan?
The difference between will and going to is often about when you decide. If you decide at the moment of speaking, use will. If you decided before, use going to.
A: There’s no milk. B: Oh, I‘ll get some from the shop. (decision now)
I‘m going to buy a new laptop next month. I’ve saved the money. (plan)
I think it will be a good film. (opinion)
Look at those black clouds. It‘s going to rain. (evidence now)
Anna is flying to Berlin on Friday. She has her ticket. (arrangement)
What time does the concert start? It starts at eight. (timetable)
I promise I won’t tell anyone.
Shall I open the window? (offer)
Future time clauses
After when, after, before, as soon as, until and if, we use a present tense, not will, even when we mean the future.
I’ll call you when I arrive.
We’ll start as soon as everyone is here.
Common mistakes
✗ I will meet the doctor tomorrow at 10. It’s all booked.
✓ I‘m meeting the doctor tomorrow at 10.
✗ The phone is ringing. I’m going to answer it.
✓ The phone is ringing. I‘ll answer it.
✗ I’ll phone you when I will get home.
✓ I’ll phone you when I get home.