A little bit of GRAMMAR

talking about future actions with will and going to

We use both "will" and "going to" in order to talk about future actions. However there is a clear difference between them.
The golden rule:
- We use WILL when we decide to do something at the time of speaking. The speaker has not decided his action beforehand.
- We use GOING TO when we have already arranged to do something or have already decided to do something. Anything pre-arranged uses going to not will.

Example 1: WILL
Clare's car has a flat tyre. She tells the mechanic.
Clare: My car has a flat tyre. Can you repair it for me?
Mechanic: Yes, but I'm afraid I can't do it now. I'll repair it tomorrow.

- In this case we have to use WILL, because the mechanic did not know about the car's flat tyre until Clare told him, and therefore he decides his action at the moment of speaking.

Example 1b: GOING TO
Later, Clare's friend asks the mechanic about the flat tyre
Tom: Can you repair Clare's flat tyre?
Mechanic: no, not today, but I am going to repair it tomorrow.

- Whereas in this example, we use GOING TO because the mechanic had already decided to repair the tyre before Tom asked the question.

Example 2a WILL
Paul is cooking dinner and suddenly realises he hasn't any spaghetti left.
Paul: Sarah, we haven't got any spaghetti left
Sarah: Oh don't worry, I'll get some from the shop (she decided at the time of speaking)

Example 2b GOING TO
Before going out Sarah asks Paul if he wants something from the shop
Sarah: I'm going to get some spaghetti from the supermarket, can I get you anything else? (she decided before speaking

Exercise 1
Which is right? Will or going to? Complete the exercise putting the verb into the correct form using will or going to.

1. Sarah: why are you turning on the radio?
Tom: because I _ _ (listen) to the news

2. I don't believe it! The cash point has ran out of money, now what will I do?
Don't worry I ___ (lend) you some till tomorrow

3. I've got awful toothache.
Have you? Give me a sec, and I _ (get) you a painkiller

4. What are you doing with the hosepipe?
I _ (wash) the car

5. I've decided to re-paint the bedroom
Really, what colour are you _ (paint) it?

6. Francesca, where are you off to?
I _ (buy) a present for Simon's birthday

7. Did you manage to get me that book I asked you for?
Oh no I completely forgot, I _ (go) and get it now

Situation 1:
Richard and James are preparing dinner
Richard: we need some wine for dinner
8. James: do we? Ok, I _ (go) to the supermarket for it now.
Before he leaves the house James talks to Louise:
9. James: Louise, I _ (buy) some wine, do you want me to get you anything?
Louise: yeah could you buy some ice-cream for desert?
10. James: sure I _ (get) some, any particular flavour?

Situation 2
Sean has to catch a flight to Newcastle, but he doesn't have a car.
Sean: Richard, would you mind giving me a lift to the airport?
11. Richard: Of course I _ (give) you a lift, what time?

Later Charlotte offers to give Sean a lift to the airport
Charlotte: Sean, do you want me to give you a lift to the airport?
12. Sean: that's really nice of you, Charlotte, but it's ok, Richard _ drop me off, but thanks anyway

Answers:
1.I'm going to; 2.I'll; 3.I'll; 4.going to; 5. going to; 6.going to; 7. I'll; 8. I'll; 9. I'm going to; 10. I'll; 11. I'll ; 12. is going to