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We take this topic “Going To Future Tense vs Future Simple” because some people are still confused with these two future tenses. Both “going to” and “will” are used to talk about future actions but they are not exactly the same.
Let’s see the difference in the following section.
The Difference between Going To Future and Future Simple
“Will” is used when we decide to do something at the time of speaking. We have not decided before. Let’s see the following example:
Ninda : My laptop is blinking. Can you fix it for me?
Prana : Certainly, but I’m busy at the moment. I’ll fix it tomorrow.
We only use “will” to express willingness. Examples:
A: Someone’s knocking at the door.
B: I’ll open the door.
A: My phone’s not working.
B: I’ll fix it for you.
Different from “will” (Future Simple), “Going to” is used when we have already decided to do something. We have decided before the time of speaking.
Let’s see the following example :
Wisnu : Can you fix Ninda’s laptop? It’s blinking.
Prana : Yes, I know. She told me so. I’m going to fix it tomorrow.
Both “will” and “be going to” can be used to express a prediction without any difference in meaning. Examples:
Be careful! You’ll fall.
Be careful! You’re going to fall.
Going To Future Tense vs Future Simple Exercises
Exercise I
Use be going to to express a prior plan, and use will to express future with no prior plan.
- A: Do you want to go swimming with me? I (go) to the new swimming pool tomorrow. B: Sure. What time?
- A: Who wants to help me to clean the window? B: I (do) it, Mom.
- A: Do you have plans this Saturday? B: Yes. I (see) my grandparents.
- We (have) an examination the day after tomorrow.
- I (invite) her to my wedding party next month.
- I (stay) home and watch television tonight.
- He (start) his new project next Monday.
- We (have) dinner out tonight.
- We (go) to Copenhagen on our vacation this summer.
- A: I need a new battery for my clock. B: I (get) one for you.
Exercise II
Will or Going To ?
1. Ann : I am thirsty.
Jill : Wait here. I … get some water for you.
2. Adi : I’ve decided to change the color of this wall.
Sue : Oh, have you? What color ….(you/paint) it?
3. Dan : Are you going to the supermarket ?
Amanda : Yes, I …. (buy) something for dinner.
4. Prana : What would you like to drink ?
Edy : I… ( have ) coffee, please.
5. Ben : I don’t know how to use this cellphone.
Denny : It’s easy. I …show you.
Answer of Going To Future Tense vs Future Simple Exercises
Exercise I
- I’m going to go the new swimming pool tomorrow.
- I’ll do it, Mom.
- I’m going to see my grandparents.
- We’re going to have an examination the day after tomorrow.
- I’m going to invite her to my wedding party next month.
- I’m going to stay home and watch television tonight.
- He’s going to start his new project next Monday.
- We’re going to have dinner out tonight.
- We’re going to go to Copenhagen on our vacation this summer.
- I’ll get one for you.
Exercise II
- will
- going to
- going to
- will
- will
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