Talking about the future

Three ways to say tomorrow — and the choice says whether it is decided, predicted or arranged.

First page · which one, case by case

The three futures

You decide while you are speaking

will

— It's cold in here. — I'll close the window.

You decided before, and it is your plan

going to

I'm going to look for a new job.

You can see it coming, right now

going to

Look at those clouds — it's going to rain.

You guess, with no evidence in front of you

will

I think she will like it.

It is arranged: a time, a place, usually another person

present continuous

I'm meeting Anna at six.

It is a timetable, not your decision

present simple

The train leaves at 7.40.

A promise, an offer or a refusal

will

I'll help you. · I won't tell anyone.

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	What it says
Form	Meaning	Typical signal
will + bare verb	decision now, prediction, promise	I think, probably, maybe, I'm sure
be going to + bare verb	intention already formed	next year, one day, I've decided
present continuous	arrangement, with a time	at six, on Friday, tomorrow morning
present simple	timetable, not your decision	the train, the film, the shop
won't	refusal, or a negative prediction	I won't do it. It won't work.

Golden rule

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