Unit 8 - Will or going to?
a. Talking about future actions
We use both will and going to to talk about our future actions, but there is a clear difference. Study this example situation:
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Helen's bicycle has a flat tire. She tells her father. Helen: My bicycle has a flat tire. Father: Okay, but I can't do it now. I'll fix it tomorrow. |
will: We use will when we decide to do something at the time of speaking. The speaker has not decided before. Before Helen told her father, he didn't know about the flat tire. |
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Later, Helen's mother speaks to her husband. Mother: Can you fix Helen's bicycle? It has a flat tire. Father: Yes, I know. She told me. I'm going to fix it tomorrow. |
going to: We use going to when we have already decided to do something. Helen's father had already decided to fix the bicycle before his wife spoke to him. |
Here is another example:
Tom is cooking when he suddenly discovers that there isn't any salt:
Tom: Ann, we don't have any salt.
Ann: Oh, we don't? I'll get some from the store.(she decides at the time of speaking)
Before going out, Ann says to Jim:
Ann: I'm going to get some salt from the store.(she has already decided) Can I get you anything, Jim?
b. Saying what will happen (predicting future happenings)
We use both will and going to to say what we think will happen in the future:
- Do you think Laura will get the job?
- Oh no! It's already 4:00. We're going to be late.
We use going to (not will) when there is something in the present situation that shows what will happen in the future (especially the near future). The speaker feels sure about what will happen because of the situation now (see also Unit 5d):
- Look at those black clouds. It's going to rain.(the clouds are there now)
- I feel terrible. I think I'm going to be sick.(I feel terrible now)
Do not use will in situations like these.
In other situations, use will(see also Unit 7):
- Sue will probably arrive at about 8 o'clock.
- I think George will like the present you bought for him.
Unit 8 Exercises
8.1 Put the verb into the correct form, using will or going to.
Examples: A: Why are you turning on the TV?
B: I'm going to watch (watch) the news.
A: Oh, I just realized - I don't have any money.
B: Don't worry - that's no problem. I'll lend (lend) you some.
Those clouds are very black, aren't ther? I think it is going to rain (rain).
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A: I've got a terrible headache.
B: Do you? Wait here and I'll get (get) you some aspirin.
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A: Why are you filling that bucket with water?
B: I'm going to wash (wash) the car.
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A: I've decided to repaint this room.
B: Oh, you have? What color are you going to paint (you/paint) it?
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A: Look! There's smoke coming out of that house. It's on fire!
B: Oh no! I'll call (call) the fire department right away.
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A: The ceilling in this room doesn't look very safe, does it?
B: No, it looks as if it'll fall (fall) down.
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A: Where are you going? Are you going shopping?
B: Yes, I'm going to buy (buy) something for dinner.
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A: I can't figure out how to use this camera.
B: It's easy. I'll show (show) you.
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A: What would you like to have - coffee or tea?
B: I'll have (have) coffee, please.
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A: Has George decided what to do when he finishes school?
B: Oh yes. Everything is settled. He's going to take (take) a vacation for a few weeks, and then he's going to start (start) a computer programming course.
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A: Did you mail that letter for me?
B: Oh, I'm sorry. I completely forgot. I'll do (do) it now.
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A: What shall we have for dinner?
B: I don't know. I can't make up my mind.
A: Come on, hurry up! Make a dicision!
B: Okay. We'll have (have) chicken.
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Jack: We need some bread for lunch.
Ben: Oh, we do? I'll go (go) to the store and get some. I feel like taking a walk.
Before he goes out, Ben talks to Jane:
Ben: I'm going to get (get) some bread. Do you want anything from the store?
Jane: Yes, I need some envelopes.
Ben: Okay, I'll get (get) you some.
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John has to go to the airport to catch a plane. He doesn't have a car:
John: Toshi, can you take me to the airport tonight?
Toshi: Of course I'll take (take) you. I'd be happy to.
Later that day Eric offers to take John to the airport.
Eric: John, do you want me to take you to the airport?
John: No thanks, Eric. Toshi is going to take (take) me.
This article was written in springnote.
