Going to Vs. Present Continuous Vs. Will Vs. Future Continuous
In this article we will compare the following:
Going to Vs. Present Continuous Vs. Will Vs. Future Continuous
Going to Vs. Will
Use Case 1
We use both ‘will + infinitive’ and ‘going to + infinitive’ to talk about the future.
Sometimes the difference between them is very small:
Dad will meet us in the playground at 7 PM.
Dad is going to meet us in the playground at 7 PM.
However, it’s not as straight forward as it sounds. There are some finer details involved wherein we prefer one or the other. Let’s understand these cases.
Use Case 2
We prefer ‘will’ in formal written English to talk about future events that have been previously arranged in some detail (while in spoken English ‘going to’ is preferred).
The live telecast will begin at 10.00 AM.
Match will start from 11 AM onwards.
Use Case 3
When we make a decision at the moment of speaking - we prefer will.
‘Is there someone at the door?’ ‘Don’t get up. I will get it.’
It’s already past midnight. I think I will go to bed now.
But it’s not only about preference. Sometimes there’s a difference in meaning between the two. Let’s see some of such cases.
Use Case 4
While making a prediction we use ‘going to’ (rather than will) – when we make a prediction about something in the future:
- based on some evidence (i.e. on the basis of something that we feel, see etc. now) or
- based on some information (i.e. because we have been told that it will happen).
Her face looks pale. I guess she’s going to faint. (prediction based on some evidence)
There’s a gossip going around that Jim and Pam are going to get married. (prediction based on some information)
Use Case 5
While making a prediction we use ‘will’ (rather than going to) – when we make a prediction based on our opinion or our past experience.
Come home. The children will enjoy seeing you again.
I imagine the theater will be full for the play on Tuesday.
Going to Vs. Present continuous
Use Case 1
When talking about intentions or decisions about the future that were made some time before - we use ‘going to’ or the present continuous:
Penny is going to move back to Nebraska. (going to - reporting an intention)
Penny is moving back to Nebraska. (present continuous - reporting an intention)
Who’s hosting the next party? Saurabh is going to do it. (it has already been planned)
Now let us see the cases wherein we prefer one over the other (i.e. ‘going to’ or present continuous).
Use Case 2
When we intend to do something in the future, but no definite arrangement has been made - We prefer going to rather than the present continuous.
But when we emphasise that a definite arrangement has been made - We prefer the present continuous.
Use Case 3
We generally avoid writing going to + go. Rather use the present continuous form of go.
I am going to college next year. (rather than - am going to go to college…)
Future Continuous Tense Vs. Will
Use Case 1
To talk about decisions that people have made, willingness to do things, inviting, promising, etc. - We use will (not the Future Continuous)
To refer to some future event or action that has been previously arranged - We use the Future Continuous.
Use Case 2
To sound polite while asking about people’s plans – we use Future Continuous Tense (rather than will or the Present Continuous)
We generally want to sound polite when we want to ask them to do something unexpected or difficult.
Extra Books and Tools
If you prefer to learn via books, or want some good English Grammar books for reference purposes, you may read this article which enlists some of the books recommended by us.