Will vs. Be Going To
The two most frequently-used Future Forms are Will and Be Going To. Each can be used for Future Plans or for Future Predictions, and there's plenty of overlap between these two terms. So the question is: What's the difference? To answer that, we'll start with the more literal meanings of each term, then explore how they work as future tense indicators.
What to Expect
Will and Be Going To are sometimes distinguished by types of applications (for instance, we say ‘will’ for plans if we’ve only just decided upon it in the moment). But a simpler yet broader understanding of these terms can cover many of the applications that are presented in textbooks, along with ones that are not.
To understand the implications of these two terms, it helps consider what they mean when they are not future indicators. From here, we gather that will is rooted in motivation and reflects determination, while be going to expresses activity and progress. Both of these things remain true when the terms are used as future indicators.
Prerequisites
Learners should already be familiar with the following:
The video does not introduce will and be going to as if students would see and hear them for the first time, but rather explores their nuances and the differences between the two. Thus, viewers should already be familiar with the forms of these terms and how they indicate a future meaning.
Be Going To, of course, begins with BE, which can take different forms depending on the person and count of the subject. Students should already know the forms of BE so that they can form:
- ‘am going to’
- ‘is going to’
- ‘are going to’
We use words like ‘intention’ and ‘goal’ in this video. Even if students aren’t familiar with these terms yet, they should at least know some similar terms that can get the point across.
Students should be able to discuss predicting for potential upcoming events, actions, or states.
This video mentions other forms that can take on a future meaning, such as the Present Simple form or the Present Continuous form. If students have been exposed to these already, this may be a good time to explore the similarities and differences between various options.
However, as the focus of this video is on Will and Be Going To, it is alright if students don’t yet know any more Future Forms than these.
Proficiency Level
Students should know either Will or Be Going To at the A1 level, and certainly both at the A2 level. Future Forms are usually introduced toward the end of the Beginner Level (1st of 6)* and are revisited at least through the Intermediate Level (4th of 6)*.
*actual starting level varies from one course-book series to the next
Will
personal / subjective
intentions, hopes, or biased expectations
Be Going To
progress made toward outcome
goals prepared for, or objective expectations
Bonus Notes
Practice Activity
Teaching Tip
Project
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