Future Forms - Going to / Will

Future Forms - Going to / Will
From Kenneth Beare

The future with 'Will' is used in a variety of situations discussing the future. Use the following forms with 'will'. Notice that 'will' or 'won't' is used for ALL subjects.

Positive
Subject + will + base form of verb + object(s)

Negative
Subject + will + not + base form of verb + object(s)

Question
(Question Word) + will + subject + base form of verb?

Used for spontaneous decisions. Spontaneous decisions are decisions made AT the moment of speaking.

Examples
Jack's hungry. I'll make her a sandwich.
That's difficult! I'll help you with the problem.

Used for predictions:
Examples
It will snow tomorrow.
She won't win the game.

Used for scheduled public events
Examples
The concert will begin at 8 o'clock.
When will the train leave?
The class won't start next week.

Used for promises
Examples
Will you marry me?
I'll help you with your homework after class.

Future with 'Going to'
The future with 'going to' is used to speak about future intentions or plans made before the present moment. Use the following forms with 'going to'.

Positive
Subject + to be + going to + base form of verb + object(s)

Negative
Subject + to be + not + going to + base form of verb + object(s)

Question
(Question Word) + to be + subject + going to + base form of verb?

Examples
We are going to study French next semester.
Where are you going to stay in France?
She isn't going to take a vacation this year.

Used for planned decisions. Planned decisions are decisions made BEFORE the moment of speaking.
Examples
I'm going to study Languages at university next year.
We're going to stay at the Hilton in New York next week.

Used for predicting an action that you see is about to happen:
Examples
Watch out! You're going to hit that car!
Look at those clouds. It's going to rain.

Used for future intentions:
Examples
I'm going to be a policeman when I grow up.
Katherine is going to study English when she goes to University.