Future forms – will, be going to, present continuous

Future Forms – Will, Be Going To, Present Continuous - Exercises

These exercises focus on Future Forms – Will, Be Going To, Present Continuous

Future with "Will"

"Will" is used to express decisions made at the moment of speaking, predictions, promises, offers, and future facts. Learn more about Future Simple. 

Structure:

Subject + will + base verb

Uses:

• Decisions made now:

• "I will call her right away."

• Predictions (based on opinion):

• "I think it will rain tomorrow."

• Promises or offers:

• "I will help you with your homework."

• Facts about the future:

• "The sun will rise at 6 a.m."

Examples:

• "She will finish the project tomorrow."

• "Don’t worry, I will take care of it."

Future with "Be Going To"

"Be going to" is used to express plans or intentions made before speaking and predictions based on evidence.

Structure:

Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb

Uses:

• Plans or intentions (already decided):

• "I am going to visit my grandma next weekend."

• Predictions based on evidence:

• "Look at those clouds! It is going to rain soon."

Have a look at the difference between Will vs Be going to. 

Examples:

• "We are going to travel to Spain this summer."

• "The baby is going to cry; she looks upset."

Future with Present Continuous

The present continuous is used to talk about fixed plans or arrangements in the near future, often with a specific time mentioned.

Structure:

Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

Uses:

• Definite plans or arrangements:

• "I am meeting my friend at 5 p.m."

• "She is flying to New York tomorrow."

Examples:

• "We are having a party this Saturday."

• "He is taking the train at 8 a.m."

Refresh your knowledge about Present Continuous. 

Comparing the Future Forms

Common Mistakes

1. Using "will" for plans instead of "be going to" or present continuous:

• Incorrect: "I will go to the store later."

• Correct: "I am going to the store later."

2. Mixing "will" and "be going to" incorrectly for predictions:

• Use "will" for general predictions: "It will be cold tomorrow."

• Use "be going to" for predictions based on evidence: "Look at the sky; it is going to rain."

3. Using the present continuous for uncertain plans:

• The present continuous is for definite plans, not general intentions:

• Incorrect: "I am buying a new car someday."

• Correct: "I am going to buy a new car someday."

FAQ 

Can I use "will" and "be going to" interchangeably?

Not always. Use "will" for decisions made on the spot or general predictions. Use "be going to" for plans or predictions based on evidence.

How is the present continuous different from "be going to"?

The present continuous emphasizes fixed plans or arrangements, often with a specific time mentioned, while "be going to" is for intentions or general plans.

Can I use "will" for formal arrangements?

No, use the present continuous for formal arrangements: "We are meeting the manager at noon."

Do these forms work with all subjects?

Yes, "will," "be going to," and the present continuous can be used with any subject, but make sure the verb matches the subject in number (e.g., "I am," "they are").

Which form is more common in casual speech?

In casual speech, "be going to" is commonly used for plans, and "will" is often used for quick decisions and promises.