05: SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE

Simple Future has two different forms in English: "will" and "be going to." Although the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express two very different meanings. These different meanings might seem too abstract at first, but with time and practice, the differences will become clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time in the future.

(i) FORM Will

[will + verb]

Examples:

You will help him later.

You will not help him later.

(ii) FORM Be Going To

[am/is/are + going to + verb]

Examples:

You are going to meet Jane tonight.

You are not going to meet Jane tonight.

"Will" is usually used in promises.

Examples:

• I will call you when I arrive.
• I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
• I won't tell anyone your secret.

"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future. It does not matter whether the plan is realistic or not.

Examples:
He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.
She is not going to spend her vacation in Hawaii.
I'm going to be an actor when I grow up.
Michelle is going to begin medical school next year.

Both "will" and "be going to" can express the idea of a general prediction about the future. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. In "prediction" sentences, the subject usually has little control over the future.

Examples:

• The year 2222 will be a very interesting year.
• The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year.
• John Smith will be the next President.
• John Smith is going to be the next President.

That's all for now,enjoy the lesson!