Will vs going to: the short rule and examples

English uses will and going to for the future. Use will for a decision made at the moment of speaking, and going to for a plan made earlier or a prediction based on evidence now.

How will and going to are formed

Will is the same for all subjects: I / you / he / we / they will + base verb with no to. In speech it shortens to I’ll, you’ll, she’ll. Going to is am / is / are + going to + base verb: I’m going to, she’s going to.

Will or going to: when to use each

• Will: a decision made as you speak, offers and promises, and predictions without visible signs (often with I think or probably).
• Going to: a plan or intention made before the conversation, and predictions based on what you can see now.

• The phone is ringing. I’ll answer it.A decision at the moment of speaking.
• Thanks for the coffee, I’ll pay this time.A decision made right now, in the conversation.
• Look at those dark clouds. It’s going to rain.A prediction based on what you can see.
• I think it will be cold in January.An opinion about the future, with no visible sign.
• We’re going to visit Lisbon in May.A plan made before this conversation.
• Don’t worry, I’ll help you with the bags.An offer.
• She’s going to apply to medical school.An intention she already has.

If a plan has a set time and an arrangement (a meeting, a ticket), English more often uses the Present Continuous: We’re meeting Olena at six. See Present Continuous in short.

A common mistake is using will for a plan you have already made: I will visit my aunt next week sounds as if you have just decided. Ask yourself: was the decision made before the conversation? If yes, use going to; if not, use will.

Check yourself

Practice with our grammar quizzes; the full explanation of every case and more practice are in the school’s lessons. Book a free trial lesson to check your English with a teacher.