The 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.
FORM Be Going To
Structure: Subject + [am/is/are + going to] + verb
Examples:
You are going to play golf tomorrow.
You are not going to play golf tomorrow.
Are you going to play golf tomorrow?
FORM Will
Structure: [will + verb]
Examples:
You will help him later.
You will not help him later.
Will you help him later?
Simple Future Uses
USE 1 "Will" to Express a Voluntary Action
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use "will" to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help.
We also use "will" when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we use "will not" or "won't" when we refuse to voluntarily do something.
Examples:
I will send you the information when I get it.
I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
Will you help me move this heavy table?
Will you make dinner?
I will not do your homework for you.
I won't do all the housework myself!
A: I'm really hungry. B: I'll make some sandwiches.
A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep. B: I'll get you some coffee.
A: The phone is ringing. B: I'll get it.
USE 2 "Will" to Express a Promise
"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.
Don't worry, I'll be careful.
I won't tell anyone your secret.
USE 3 "Be going to" to Express a Plan
"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future.
Examples:
He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.
She is not going to spend her vacation in Hawaii.
A: When are we going to meet each other tonight? B: We are going to meet at 6 PM.
Michelle is going to begin medical school next year.
They are going to drive all the way to Alaska.
Who are you going to invite to the party?
USE 4 "Will" or "Be Going to" to Express a Prediction
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.
Examples:
I guess he will be the next President.
He has 80% of the votes, he is going to be the next President.
Probably that movie will win several Academy Awards.
That movie is going to win several Academy Awards.