3 Ways to Talk About the Future in English
Dear Teacher, I am studying how to speak about the future, but I am confused —
when do I use ‘will’, when do I use ‘going to’ and when do I use ‘the present continuous’?
Thanks so much, Andre from Brazil.
Great question Andre! There are many ways we can talk about the future. Choosing to use ‘will’, ‘going to’ or the present continuous depends on the situation. Read the explanation below and listen to the ILAC Radio Podcast before testing yourself at the end of the article to see that you understand.
1. WILL & BE GOING TO (Future intentions):
‘Will’ (future simple) is used to express future intentions that have been made at the moment of speaking (spontaneous offers, decisions and promises).
For example: Come on, do not worry, I will help you study for the test (seeing that someone is struggling to understand).
Or the contracted form: Come on don’t worry, I’ll help you study for the test.
Notice the structure: I (subject) + will + a verb in the base form (or infinitive form)
In this case the verb is ‘help’.