Differences Between Will and Going to

In English, there are various forms are used to refer to the future. ‘Will’ and ‘going to’ are the two most common forms used in English.

Differences Between Will and Going to

Differences Between Will and Going to | Rule 1


Connection to Present

Will is used when there is no connection to the present.

  • If I win the lottery, I will buy a restaurant on the beach.
  • She will graduate from university in two years.

Going to is used when there is a connection to the present.

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  • I am going to visit my grandfather this weekend.
  • They are going to start their own business next month.

Differences Between Will and Going to | Rule 2


Future Facts

Will is used with future facts or things we believe to be true.

  • The sun will rise in the east and set in the west.
  • I believe he will become a successful entrepreneur one day.

Going to is not used with future facts or things we believe to be true.

  • I am going to have lunch with my friend tomorrow. (This expresses a future plan or intention, not a future fact or belief.)
  • They are going to travel to Europe next summer. (This expresses a future plan, not a future fact or belief.)

Differences Between Will and Going to | Rule 3


Plans and Decisions

Will is used at the moment of taking a decision.

  • A: Can you help me with this project?
  • B: Yes, I will help you.
  • A: I’m so thirsty.
  • B: I will get you a glass of water.

Going to is used to talk about a planned activity.

  • We are going to have a picnic in the park next Sunday.
  • He is going to take a cooking class next month.

Differences Between Will and Going to | Rule 4


Predictions

Will is used to make a prediction in the far-off future.

  • By the year 2050, humans will have landed on Mars.
  • I predict that in 50 years, cars will no longer run on gasoline.

Going to is used to express a prediction based on evidence in the present.

  • Look at those dark clouds! It’s going to rain soon.
  • She’s been studying very hard. I think she’s going to pass the exam with flying colours.

Differences Between Will and Going to | Rule 5


Miscellaneous Uses

Will is used to indicate promises, offers, requests or invitations.

  • I will meet you at the airport tomorrow.
  • Would you like some help? I will be happy to assist you.

Going to is not used to indicate such things.

  • I am going to take a walk in the park later. (This expresses a plan, not a promise, offer, request, or invitation.)
  • They are going to buy a new car next year. (This expresses a plan, not a promise, offer, request, or invitation.)

Also, Read


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