How To Talk About the Future
Do you know how to express your upcoming adventures or commitments in English? Let me see if I can help you.
“Will” for Spontaneous Decisions
We use „will“ to talk about spontaneous plans or decisions made on the spur of the moment. Here are some examples:
- „What can I wear to work? I think, I’ll wear my grey suit.“ (A spontaneous choice)
- „Oh dear, I forgot to call my colleague. I’ll do it after lunch.“ (A sudden realisation)
- „There’s no bread left. I’ll buy some after I leave the office.“ (An unplanned errand)
„Going To” for Pre-Planned Adventures
We use „going to“ to talk about pre-decided plans and things we’ve already arranged to do. Here are some examples:
- „I’m going to go to the butcher’s later. What do we need?“ (A planned shopping trip)
- „I’m going to call my colleague this afternoon. I told him I’d call around 3 o’clock.“ (A pre-arranged call)
- „I’m going to wear my new shoes this evening.“ (A pre-decided outfit)
The Present Continuous for Confirmed Commitments
We use the present continuous for those arrangements we’ve already confirmed with others. Here are some examples:
- „I’m having dinner with Maria tonight. We’re going to try that new Italian place.“ (A confirmed dinner arrangement with a specific time and place)
- „We’re taking the children to the zoo this weekend. “ (A family outing with a set timeframe)
- „I’m presenting my project at the meeting tomorrow afternoon. I’m a bit nervous, but I’m ready.“ (A work commitment with a specific time)
Remember:
- „Will“ is for spontaneous decisions made on the spur of the moment.
- „Going to“ is for pre-decided plans you’ve already made.
- The present continuous is for confirmed arrangements with others.
So, now you can confidently express all your future plans, be they spur-of-the-moment ideas or well-organised schedules.
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