What Is 'Will', 'Be Going To', and Present Continuous?
When speaking about the future in English, we use different forms to talk about things that will happen. The three most common future forms are 'will', 'be going to', and present continuous. Each of these forms expresses the future in different ways, and understanding when to use each one helps us communicate more clearly.
'Will' is used to talk about future actions or decisions that are not planned in advance. 'Be going to' is used when there is a plan or intention to do something in the future, or when something is about to happen. Present continuous can also be used to express the future, particularly for scheduled events or things that are already arranged.
In this article, we’ll explore these future forms in more detail, helping children and parents understand how to use them effectively in everyday situations.
Rules of 'Will', 'Be Going To', and Present Continuous 'Will'
The 'will' form is often used when we want to express a simple future action. It’s also used for predictions, promises, offers, and decisions made at the moment of speaking.
Structure:
Subject + will + base verb Example: I will go to the store later.
For negative sentences, we use 'will not' or the contraction 'won't':
Subject + will not/won't + base verb Example: She won't come to the party. 'Be Going To'
The 'be going to' form is used when we have a plan or intention for the future, or when something is about to happen. It shows that an action is already decided or expected to happen.
Structure:
Subject + am/are/is + going to + base verb Example: I am going to study after dinner.
For negative sentences, we use 'not' between the verb 'be' and 'going to':
Subject + am/are/is + not + going to + base verb Example: They are not going to play soccer today. Present Continuous
The present continuous is generally used to talk about things that are happening right now, but it can also be used to talk about future plans or arrangements. It is often used for future events that are scheduled or fixed.
Structure:
Subject + am/are/is + verb-ing Example: She is meeting her friend tomorrow.
For negative sentences, we use 'not':
Subject + am/are/is + not + verb-ing Example: We are not leaving until next week. How to Use 'Will', 'Be Going To', and Present Continuous Using 'Will'
'Will' is used in several situations, including:
Predictions about the future: Example: It will rain tomorrow. Decisions made at the moment of speaking: Example: I think I will call my friend now. Promises: Example: I will help you with your homework. Offers: Example: Will you carry this for me? Future facts or events that are certain: Example: The sun will rise tomorrow. Using 'Be Going To'
'Be going to' is used when you have already decided to do something or when something is about to happen. It’s often used for:
Plans: Example: I am going to visit my grandparents this weekend. Intentions or decisions made before speaking: Example: They are going to start a new project next month. Predictions based on current evidence: Example: Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain soon. Using Present Continuous
The present continuous tense is often used when there is a scheduled or fixed future event. It’s commonly used for:
Plans or arrangements: Example: We are going to the park tomorrow. Fixed schedules (often used with transportation or events): Example: The train is leaving at 7 p.m. tonight. Things that are already decided: Example: I am meeting my teacher after school. Examples of 'Will', 'Be Going To', and Present Continuous Examples of 'Will' I will visit the museum next week. She won't forget your birthday. They will call you as soon as they arrive. Will you help me with this task? Examples of 'Be Going To' I am going to finish my homework after dinner. He is going to take a trip to London next summer. We are going to paint the house this weekend. The weather is going to be sunny tomorrow. Examples of Present Continuous We are going to the movies tomorrow. I am meeting my friends at 5 p.m. today. She is flying to Paris next month. They are having dinner at 7 p.m. tonight. Common Mistakes with 'Will', 'Be Going To', and Present Continuous
When learning future tenses, there are several common mistakes that can be made. Understanding these can help avoid confusion and lead to clearer communication.
Using 'will' for planned actions: Incorrect: I will go to the dentist tomorrow. Correct: I am going to go to the dentist tomorrow. 'Be going to' should be used for planned actions or intentions, not 'will'. Using present continuous for uncertain actions: Incorrect: I am meeting my friend later (when there’s no fixed plan). Correct: I will meet my friend later. Present continuous is used for fixed or scheduled plans, not for uncertain or spontaneous actions. Confusing 'be going to' with 'will' for predictions: Incorrect: I am going to see a movie tonight. (When making a prediction) Correct: I will see a movie tonight. 'Will' is typically used for predictions, not 'be going to'. Comparison of 'Will', 'Be Going To', and Present Continuous
While all three forms express the future, they do so in different ways. Here is a simple comparison:
Tense Usage Example 'Will' Predictions, offers, decisions made at the moment I will study tomorrow. 'Be Going To' Planned actions, intentions, predictions based on evidence She is going to visit her grandma. Present Continuous Scheduled events, fixed plans We are leaving tomorrow. Practice Exercises for 'Will', 'Be Going To', and Present Continuous Choose the correct future form ('will', 'be going to', or present continuous): I __________ (visit) my friend this afternoon. They __________ (start) their new job next month. She __________ (not arrive) until 8 p.m. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb: I think we __________ (have) a great time at the party. They __________ (go) to a concert next weekend. We __________ (meet) our cousins tomorrow. Complete the sentences with the correct future form: By next year, I __________ (graduate) from school. He __________ (leave) for vacation next Friday. Answers and Explanations Exercise 1: Choose the correct future form I am going to visit my friend this afternoon. They will start their new job next month. She will not arrive until 8 p.m. Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks I think we will have a great time at the party. They are going to go to a concert next weekend. We are meeting our cousins tomorrow. Exercise 3: Complete the sentences By next year, I will have graduated from school. He is leaving for vacation next Friday. Learning Tips for 'Will', 'Be Going To', and Present Continuous Use Visual Aids: Draw a simple timeline to help children visualize when to use each future form. Practice Speaking: Encourage children to speak about their plans using 'be going to' and their predictions using 'will'. Create Scenarios: Ask children to imagine a future event and decide which future form to use. For example, "What will you do next weekend?" "What is your plan for the summer?"
By practicing these three future forms regularly, children will feel more confident in speaking about future events. They will also improve their ability to express future actions and predictions more naturally and accurately.