| Will | Going to | Present continuous | Present simple | ||
| STRUCTURE | Affirmative form Negative form Interrogative form |
Subject + will+ verb (bare)+ complement Subject + will+ not (won’t) +verb (bare)+ complement Will+ subject + verb (bare)+ complement+? |
Subject + to be (am, is, are) + going to + verb (bare) + complement Subject + to be (am, is, are) + not + going to + verb (bare) + complement To be (am, is, are) + subject + going to + verb (bare) + complement+? |
Subject + to be (am, is, are) verb ing + complement Subject + to be (am, is, are) + not + verb ing + complement To be (am, is, are) + subject + verb ing + complement +? |
Subject + verb + complement Subject + does not + verb + complement Does + subject + verb + complement +? |
| USE |
- Predictions with NO evidence. (What we think, believe, be afraid, probably, etc.) You will be rich - Promises, threats, warnings, requests, and hopes. I will be there - Spot decisions I will call an ambulance |
- Predictions with evidence (what we can see)(dark clouds) It´s going to rain - Plans and intentions or ambitions - He’s going to take a computer course |
- Fixed arrangements in the near future I´m visiting the dentist at 5 this afternoon |
- It is used when we refer to programmes or time-tables The plane arrives at 10 in the morning |
[a] Profesor Investigador de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo