Future actions are expressed by using the future tense. There are two verbs commonly associated with this tense:
- will
- be going to
Is there a difference between the two? Yes, but the difference is not clearly defined.
Simple Future timeline
(a) “will” is used to express promises or guarantees
- Don’t worry, I will be on time.
- You will receive a salary of $1,600 once you start work.
(b) “going to” is used to express plans
- They are going to have a picnic this weekend. – It’s just a plan; it might not happen.
- Our neighbour is going to paint her house next year.
(c) “will” and “going to” are used to make predictions
- I think it is going to rain in a while. or I think it will rain in a while.
- It is going to be a baby boy. or It will be a baby boy.
