Modal verbs

Will vs. going to

Both will and going to can be used to talk about future plans and intentions.

• I'm going to learn Chinese.
• We'll bring some wine to the party.

Note that going to is often used for decisions made before speaking.

Will is often used for decisions made at the time of speaking.

• A: I'm going to get some milk. Do we need anything else?
• B: Well, we haven't got any bread.
• A: OK, I'll get some bread, too.

Going to and will can both be used to make general predictions.

If they win the election,	they'll increase taxation.
	they're going to increase taxation.

 

Only going to is generally used when there is present evidence.

• Look at the clouds. It's going to rain.

Will can also be used to express:

-a request.

• Will you open the window, please?

-an order.

• Will you be quiet!

-an invitation.

• Will you dance?

-a refusal.

• I won't phone you.

-an offer.

• I'll carry your bags.

-a promise.

• I won't tell anyone your secret.

-a threat.

• I'll hit you!