Main Difference – Will vs. Going To
In English, simple future tense can be written in two forms: will and going to. Though will and going to can be used interchangeably in some instances, in most cases they denote different meanings. That is why we are going to explain the difference between will and going to in this article. Though both will and going to are used to indicate the future, will is used to indicate future when there is no connection to the present whereas going to is used to indicate the future when there is a connection to the future. This is the main difference between will and going to, and this difference will be further clarified in this article.
When to use Will
We use will to indicate the future when there is no explicit or implicit connection to the present. We use will when we are talking about future facts or what we believe to be true.
The 21st FIFA World Cup will be held in Russia.
Mrs. Jenson will retire next year.
We can use will when we’ve just decided to do something. Here, will is used at the moment of making the decisions.
I’ll have a soda and a sandwich.
I’ll buy this blue dress and that red t-shirt.
Will can be also used to express a promise, offer, requests or invitations. For example,
I’ll come home early today.
I’ll reduce the price of one item if you buy two of them.
Will you shut the door when you go out?
One day, I will become a doctor.
I’m going to buy this yellow sweatshirt.
When to use Going to
We use going to to talk about a planned activity in the future. That is, we have already decided what we intend to do or go.
We are going to visit your grandmother on this Sunday.
I’m going to join the Red Cross.
We use going to when we are making a prediction about the future based on the evidence in the present situation.
The paper was so difficult. I’m going to fail the exam.
The taxi is late. We are going to miss our flight.
We also use going to when something is just about to happen.
The bell is going to ring any minute now.
She is going to fall off the cliff.
It’s going to rain.
Difference Between Will and Going To
Connection to Present
Will is used when there is no connection to the present.
Going to is used when there is a connection to the present.
Future Facts
Will is used with future facts or things we believe to be true.
Going to is not used with future facts or things we believe to be true.
Plans and Decisions
Will is used at the moment of a taking a decision.
Going to is used to talk about a planned activity.
Predictions
Will is used to make a prediction in the far off future.
Going to is used to express a prediction based on evidence in the present.
Other Uses
Will is used to indicate promises, offers, requests or invitations.
Going to is not used to indicate such things.
