Lesson 11: Going to vs Will — Future Plans & Predictions (A2)
A2⏱ 5 min
Going to vs Will: Future Plans
By Sourov Deb — Cambridge CELTA course completed — 120 supervised teaching hours and four written assignments validated to the required standard.
I’ve moved more times than I can count — Sydney, Dhaka, Paris, La Réunion.
Each move started with a decision: “I’m going to stay in La Réunion for now.
Maybe one day I’ll go back to Australia — who knows?”
That one sentence hides two different futures.
Each move started with a decision: “I’m going to stay in La Réunion for now.
Maybe one day I’ll go back to Australia — who knows?”
That one sentence hides two different futures.
🎯 Aim: Understand when to use going to for plans and intentions, and will for predictions and spontaneous decisions.
Key Difference
| Form | Use | Signal words |
|---|---|---|
| going to | Plans already decided; evidence-based predictions | I’ve decided, I’ve already…, Look out! |
| will | Spontaneous decisions; offers; general predictions; promises | I think, probably, maybe, I promise, I’ll… |
Examples in Context
- “We are going to move to La Réunion next year.” (already decided)
- “Look at those clouds — it is going to rain.” (visible evidence)
- “I think I will have the coffee, please.” (spontaneous choice at the café)
- “Don’t worry, I will help you carry that.” (spontaneous offer)
- “Maybe one day I’ll go back to Sydney — who knows?” (uncertain prediction)
Common mistake: ❌ I will travel to Paris tomorrow. (if it’s a confirmed plan)
✅ I am going to travel to Paris tomorrow. (tickets already booked!)
✅ I am going to travel to Paris tomorrow. (tickets already booked!)
Practice Task
Choose going to or will.
- “The phone is ringing.” — “I _____ get it!” (spontaneous offer)
- She _____ study medicine. She already applied to university. (planned)
- I think it _____ be a great trip. (general prediction)
- He _____ move to France — he even sold his furniture. (evidence-based)
- “Are you hungry?” — “Yes! I _____ make some pasta.” (spontaneous decision)
Show Answers
- I’ll get it! (spontaneous)
- She is going to study medicine. (planned)
- I think it will be a great trip. (prediction)
- He is going to move to France. (evidence-based)
- I’ll make some pasta. (spontaneous)
💡 Takeaway: Going to = already decided or evidence visible now. Will = spontaneous, offers, general predictions, or promises.
Independent project. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.