Use going to for plans already decided or predictions based on visible evidence, as in look at the sky, it’s going to rain. Use will for spontaneous decisions, promises, offers, and opinion-based predictions, as in the phone is ringing, I will answer it. Checking for prior evidence is the fastest way to decide.
Grammar Rule
Use going to for prior plans or visible evidence; use will for spontaneous decisions, promises, offers, and opinion-based predictions.
Will vs Going To: Rules and Examples
| Use | Verb form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prior plan / visible evidence | going to | Look at the sky! It’s going to rain. I’ve already booked the tickets. |
| Spontaneous decision | will | The phone is ringing. I will answer it. |
| Promise / opinion prediction | will | I promise I will help you tomorrow. I think Brazil will win the World Cup. |
Remember: ask yourself if there is a prior plan or visible evidence (going to), or a spontaneous decision or opinion (will).
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing correctly between will and going to. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Will vs. Going to – Contrast
No necesitas registrarte para empezar. Al finalizar verás tu calificación de inmediato, y si quieres podrás agregar tu nombre para personalizar y descargar tu resultado.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you use going to instead of will?
Use going to when there is a prior plan or visible evidence, such as look at the sky, it’s going to rain, or I’ve already booked the tickets.
When do you use will instead of going to?
Use will for decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, offers, and predictions based on opinion, such as the phone is ringing, I will answer it.
Can will express a promise while going to cannot?
Yes, promises typically use will, as in I promise I will help you tomorrow, since a promise is a decision made at the moment of speaking, not a prior plan.
What question can you ask yourself to choose correctly?
Ask whether there is a prior plan or visible evidence, which needs going to, or a spontaneous decision or opinion, which needs will.