Verbs

Future forms

Will for future

Affirmative and negative

I/you/he/we etc.

will won't (will not)

go to the party.

Question

Will Won't

I/you/he/we etc.

go to the party?

We often use will to write formally about the future.

• Anne and Paula will take a month to walk across the Kalahari Desert.
• Any money you donate will help us start co-operative work projects.
  

Be + going to + infinitive

Affirmative and negative

I You/we/they He/she/it

am are is

going to not going to

have a swim tonight.

Question

Am Are Is

I you/we/they he/she/it

going to

have a swim tonight?

We often use be + going to + infinitive to talk informally about a future plan.

• I'm going to start doing a lot of exercise.
• Are you going to take any special equipment with you?
• We're going to take lots of water on our trek.

Present simple

We often use the present simple to talk about timetables or fixed itineraries.

• When exactly do you start your trek?
• We leave on the 1st of June.

Present continuous

We often use the present continuous to talk about arrangements made with other people.

• Betty and I are getting married. (= This is definite and arranged.)

Compare this to the going to future, which is used for decisions and plans.

• I'm going to get married one day. (= This is an intention of mine.)