July 23rd - Will x Going to

Questions about the difference between "will" and "be + going to" are common among my students. It's funny how courses, books and teachers can complicate something that seems so simple to me! The secret, as I always say, is this: Students should stop looking for grammar rules in everything and start observing the use of words and structures in real life. So let's learn the use of "will" and "going to" in a different way. Shall we Laura?

"Will" is the assistant of the future in English. But when we learn that we can indicate the future with "going to" the doubt arises. So as not to complicate it, let's understand the use of the two words to express ideas in the future in English. Well, check it out! "Will" when used to speak of something in the future usually comes with expressions that indicate uncertainty. Let's look at some of these expressions:

• I think… (Eu acho que…)
• I think Ingrid will travel to Ireland next year.
• Probably, … (Provavelmente, …)
• Yes. Probably She will travel in January.
• I guess… (Eu acho…)
• I guess She will travel in February.
• I’m not sure, but I think… (Não tenho certeza, mas acho que…)
• I'm not sure, but I think Laura will travel to Miami.
• I don’t know, but I think… (Num sei não, mas acho que…)
• I don't know but I think she will travel in May.
• Maybe… (Talvez…)
• Maybe she will travel in May.

They are all expressions that indicate uncertainty in English. Of course there are others, but with these you will already be able to say many things. Well! Now look at the sentences below:

Laura will probably go to Miami in January.
I don't know, but I don't think she's going to the party next Saturday.
Maybe we won't be here tomorrow.
As the expressions of uncertainty are present in the sentences the word that is usually used to express the future in these cases is "will". So we will:

• Laura will probably go to Miami  in January.
• I don’t know! But I think She won't go to the party next Saturday.
• Maybe we will not be here tomorrow.
• Will not = won't 

Now if you are sure of what you are going to do - if there is no doubt about what you will do in the future, it is already decided and practically right - then prefer to use the "going to".

• I’m going to JB's house next Monday.
• I’m not going to the party next Saturday.
• We’re not going to be here tomorrow.

See that in these last examples expressions of uncertainty did not appear. The reason is simple: you have no doubts about what you will do; you know you will do it and that's it! You are organized to do it! You are already planning and solving everything to make it happen.

So remember: when you are not sure what you will do in the future use "will" accompanied by expressions of uncertainty. On the other hand, if you are sure and you are already planning, then make use of the "going to". 

# Did you like the explanations? Easy, right?