Future Forms — Will, Going to and Present Continuous
Three ways to talk about the future — and each one sends a different signal
From Sourov’s world: In Sydney, planning a dinner service at The Ivy looked like this: “I’m working the floor on Saturday” (already scheduled — present continuous). “We’re going to use the new wine pairing menu next week” (a decision already made — going to). Then mid-service, a guest asks: “Who will handle our dessert pairing?” and without thinking I say: “I’ll do it” (a decision made right now — will). Now in La Réunion, I plan English lessons the same way. Three futures, three different moments of decision. This lesson will show you exactly when to use each one.
📚 Language Focus
| Form | Use | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| will + base verb | Spontaneous decision at the moment of speaking; predictions; offers; promises | “I’ll help you.” (just decided now) |
| going to + base verb | Plan or intention decided before the moment of speaking; predictions based on evidence | “I’m going to study French.” (already planned) |
| Present Continuous | Fixed arrangements in the future — diary events, bookings, confirmed plans with others | “I’m teaching at 9am tomorrow.” (it’s in the diary) |
Key difference — will vs going to for predictions:
“Look at those clouds — it’s going to rain.” (evidence visible now)
“I think it will rain later.” (opinion or guess, no specific evidence)
CCQs: Did you decide this just now? — will. Did you decide this before speaking? — going to. Is it arranged with someone else, in your diary? — Present Continuous.
💡 Examples
⚡ Will — spontaneous decision or promise
- “The guest needs help with the wine list.” — “I’ll go over right away.”
- I promise I will mark your homework before our next session.
🗓️ Going to — prior plan or intention
- I’m going to redesign the lesson plan next term.
- Look at that queue — we’re going to need extra staff tonight.
📅 Present Continuous — fixed arrangement
- I’m teaching a group class at 10am tomorrow — it’s booked.
- They’re flying to Paris next Thursday — the tickets are bought.
✏️ Quick Check
Choose the best future form: will, going to, or present continuous.
- A: “The printer has run out of paper.” B: “Don’t worry, I _______ (get) some more.” (spontaneous)
- We _______ (open) a new wine bar in Réunion next year — we’ve already signed the lease.
- I _______ (have) a lesson with my private student at 6pm — it’s in both our calendars.
- Those clouds look very dark — it _______ (rain) soon.
- I think English _______ (remain) the global language of business for many years.
Show answers ▼
- “I ‘ll get some more.” (spontaneous — will)
- We are going to open a new wine bar — prior plan.
- I am having a lesson at 6pm — fixed arrangement.
- It is going to rain — evidence visible now.
- English will remain — opinion/prediction, no specific evidence.
🗣️ Try It Yourself
Tell a partner about your week ahead using all three future forms. Include: one thing in your diary right now (present continuous), one plan you already decided on (going to), and one thing you’ll decide on the spot during the conversation (will). Notice how each one feels different — that feeling is your intuition building.
Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification. | Teacher background: Cambridge CELTA course completed — 120 supervised teaching-practice hours, 4 written assignments passed at the required standard.