Plans and predictions

Talk about the future with going to, will and the present continuous. Lesson 10 of 58: Everyday English, CEFR A2.

Going to: plans and evidence

• Use “going to” for a plan you have already made, and for a prediction you can see coming: “I’m going to call her tonight.” “Look at those clouds: it’s going to rain.” In fast speech “going to” often sounds like “gonna”.
• I’m going to look for a new job. (A plan)
• It’s going to be a busy week. (You can see it coming)

Will: decisions now, promises and offers

• Use “will” (’ll) for a decision made as you speak, an offer or a promise: “I’ll get the door.” “I’ll send it today.” And for predictions without evidence: “I think you’ll like it.”
• The phone’s ringing. I’ll get it. (Decided this second)
• I’ll send you the details tonight. (A promise)
• I think it’ll be fine. (An opinion about the future)

Present continuous: arrangements

• For fixed arrangements with other people, a time and a place, use the present continuous: “I’m meeting the client on Thursday.”
• We’re flying to Singapore on Monday. (Tickets booked)
• What are you doing this weekend? (Asking about plans)
• Tip: In speech, “I’ll” is one syllable: “ail”. Practise it until it is quick.

Lines to have ready

• What are you doing this weekend? (Asking about plans)
• I’ll get back to you by Friday. (A promise at work)
• I’m going to … (A plan)
• Shall we …? (Suggesting something)
• Let’s see how it goes. (Leaving a plan open)

Your turn to speak

• Talk about your next month: one plan (going to), one arrangement with a time (present continuous), one promise to somebody (will) and one prediction.
• I used going to for a plan
• I used the present continuous for an arrangement
• I made a promise with I’ll

Related

• Lesson 9: Right now: the present continuous
• Lesson 11: In, on and at
• The whole English course

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