Future actions
We use the present continuous (
I'm doing) for arrangements:
- I'm leaving tomorrow. I've got my plane ticket. (already planned and arranged)
- 'When are they getting married?' 'On 24 July.'
We use the present simple (I
leave / it
leaves etc.) for timetables, programmes etc. :
- My train leaves at 11.30. (according to the timetable)
- What time does the film begin?
We use (
be)
going to ... to say what somebody has already decided to do:
- I've decided not to stay here any longer. I'm going to leave tomorrow. (or I'm leaving tomorrow.)
- 'Your shoes are dirty.' 'Yes, I know. I'm going to clean them.'
We use
will (
'll) when we decide or agree to do something at the time of speaking:
- A: I don't want you to stay here any longer.
B: OK. I'll leave tomorrow. (B decides this at the time of speaking) - That bag looks heavy. I'll help you with it.
- I won't tell anybody what happened. I promise. (won't = will not)
Future happenings and situations
Most often we use
will to talk about future happenings ('something
will happen') or situations ('something
will be'):
- I don't think John is happy at work. I think he'll leave soon.
- This time next year I'll be in Japan. Where will you be?
We use (
be)
going to when the situation now shows what
is going to happen in the future:
- Look at those black clouds. It's going to rain. (you can see the clouds now)
Future continuous and future perfect
Will be (do)
ing = will be in the middle of (doing something):
- This time next week I'll be on holiday. I'll be lying on a beach or swimming in the sea.
We also use
will be-ing for future actions (see Unit 24C):
- What time will you be leaving tomorrow?
We use
will have (
done) to say that something will already be complete before a time in the future:
- I won't be here this time tomorrow. I'll have already left.
