Grammar A2 - Future Tense

The video explains how to distinguish between using "will" and "be going to" when speaking about the future in English, noting that the choice depends on when a decision is made or the nature of a prediction.

• "Be Going To" for Plans:

  • This structure is used for intentions that were decided before the moment of speaking.
  • It functions as a report of a pre-existing plan, such as a scheduled trip or an item marked on a calendar.
  • When making predictions, "be going to" is used when there is physical evidence or clear cause-and-effect, such as seeing dark clouds before rain.

• "Will" for Spontaneous Decisions:

  • This is used for decisions made at the exact moment of speaking, such as reacting to a ringing phone.
  • When making predictions, "will" is used for general beliefs or opinions, similar to a guess about the future.

• Example Scenario:

  • If you decide what to order at a restaurant before arriving, you use "be going to" because it is a plan.
  • If you decide what to order only after looking at the menu when the waiter asks, you use "will" because it is a spontaneous decision.