Lesson 3 of 6
Talking About the Future
Choose naturally between will, going to and the present continuous.
Many learners use "will" for every future idea. Native speakers choose different forms depending on whether something is a decision, a plan or an arrangement. Using the right one makes you sound much more fluent.
LearnThe key ideas
Three ways to talk about the future
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| will | Instant decisions, promises, offers, predictions | I'll get the door. I'll call you tonight. |
| going to (gonna) | Plans you already decided, predictions from evidence | I'm gonna start a new job. Look at those clouds, it's gonna rain. |
| present continuous | Fixed arrangements with a time | I'm meeting Sara at 6. |
Decision now or decision before?
Phone rings: "I'll get it!" (deciding now). Friend asks about the weekend: "I'm going to visit my parents" (decided before). Saying "I will visit my parents" here sounds like you just decided, or like a formal promise.
ListenListen and repeat
- I'll have the chicken, please.Decision made at the moment of ordering.
- We're gonna move to Lahore next year.A plan already made.
- I'm flying to Dubai on Friday.Arrangement with a ticket and a time.
- Don't worry, I'll help you.An offer or promise.
AvoidCommon mistakes
SpeakShadowing practice
Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.
- What are you doing this weekend?
- I'm gonna stay home and relax.
- Okay, I'll call you on Sunday then.
CheckQuick quiz
1. The phone rings. You say:
2. You have a dentist appointment at 3pm. You say:
3. Dark clouds are in the sky. It's ___ rain.
PracticeToday's speaking task
Talk for one minute about your plans for next month. Use going to for plans, the present continuous for arrangements, and will for anything you decide while speaking.