AEE 201: Finally Solve Your Confusion with "Will" and "Going to"

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When you’re talking about the future in English, should you use “will” or “going to”?

Today, in #6 of the Top 15 Fixes, we discuss the correct way to tell others what you want to do, whether in the immediate future or many years from now!

"Will" and "going to" are interchangeable in meaning, but native English speakers tend to use them for slightly different purposes.

Will is often used in the context of a big plan or dream, often in the far future:

• I will get married, eventually.
• “Someday, people will live on Mars.”

However, Will can also be used if you have just spontaneously made a decision, at this very moment, or for promises:

• “Maybe I will go out to lunch.”
• “I will always love you.”

Going to is used for more specific decisions about your immediate future:

• “I’m gonna (going to) go biking tomorrow.”
• “She’s going to call later tonight.”

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These rules are general. Remember, there are exceptions, and native speakers can be inconsistent.  The best way to learn is to get out and hear native English speakers, and use the language the way you hear it spoken.

Other Entries in the 15 Fixes Series:

• Episode 165: Listen or Hear?

• Episode 169: Speak, Talk, Tell and Say?

• Episode 173: Wish vs. Hope

• Episode 177: Talking About Age in English

• Episode 181: Future Tense in English

• Episode 185: Interested or Interesting?

• Episode 189: Talking About the Past

• Episode 193: How to Borrow Money

• Episode 197: Who Pays for Lunch?

What will you do in the future?

What are you going to do?

Tell us about it in the comments section below!