Will expresses predictions, offers, and spontaneous decisions; going to expresses plans and predictions based on evidence; the present continuous expresses fixed, confirmed arrangements. Choosing the right form depends on how certain, planned, or evidence-based the future action is.
Grammar Rule
Will, going to, and the present continuous each express a different kind of future certainty or planning.
Future Forms Contrast: Rules and Examples
| Form | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Will | predictions, offers, spontaneous decisions | I think it will rain. I’ll carry that for you. |
| Going to | plans, evidence-based predictions | We’re going to move next year. It’s going to rain, look at those clouds. |
| Present Continuous | fixed, confirmed arrangements | I’m meeting Sarah at 6pm. We’re flying to Rome on Monday. |
Remember: will = opinion/spontaneous, going to = plan/evidence, present continuous = confirmed arrangement.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing correctly between will, going to, and the present continuous. 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.
Future Forms Contrast: Will, Going to, Present Continuous
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between will, going to, and the present continuous?
Will expresses predictions and spontaneous decisions, going to expresses plans and evidence-based predictions, and the present continuous expresses fixed, confirmed arrangements.
Which form do you use for a booked flight?
Use the present continuous, since it is a confirmed arrangement, as in we’re flying to Rome on Monday.
Which form do you use for a prediction based on what you see now?
Use going to, as in it’s going to rain, look at those clouds.
Which form do you use for an opinion about the future with no evidence?
Use will, as in I think it will rain tomorrow.