English 24
November 9th
A little bit of GRAMMAR

"will" and "going to" Part 2

Let's recap, last week we spoke of "will" and "going to". This week we are going to continue to give you some advice on how to use them. Last week we said you should use "will" when making a decision at the time of speaking and use "going to" to express something already decided or pre-arranged.
1. Did you phone the dentist? Oh no, I forgot, I'll do it now.
2. Do you need anything at the supermarket? I'm going to do the shopping this afternoon.

One thing we didn't mention, but I'm sure you all know is that the negative of "will" is "won't" (or will not)
e.g. Receptionist: I'm afraid Dr. Kelly can't see you until 5pm
You: Oh in that case I won't wait.

This week we are going to use "will" and "going to" to predict future happenings

We can use both "will" and "going to" to say what we think will happen in the future.
a. Do you think Beth will get the job?
b. Oh dear, it's already 8 o'clock, we're going to be late

We use "will" when we predict a future happening or a future situation that is based on judgement, knowledge or guesswork.
a. When you come home you'll notice a lot of changes
b. Paul won't pass his exams he hasn't done any work for them

But we use "going to" when there is something in the present situation that shows what will happen in the future (especially the near future). We use "going to" when the speaker feels sure about what will happen because of the situation now. You have concrete evidence!

a. Look at those black clouds. It's going to rain (the clouds are there now)
b. I feel terrible. I think I'm going to be sick (I feel terrible now)

Therefore we use going to when we
a. Indicate a general plan or intention.
b. Predict future events, based on present concrete evidence.
Note: many fortune tellers and TV meteorologists use the "going to" form since the predictions are supposedly based on evidence.
E.g.
Fortune Teller: "you are going to meet a tall, handsome stranger"
TV meteorologist: The warm front is going to come in from the Sahara
c. It is used to express intention, where the plan or intention is formed in the immediate past and now insisted upon.
E.g. especially with have to, it expresses the regrettable necessity of future action: I'm going to have to report this. (I wish I didn't, but I have no choice)
Compare:
-I'm going to have to report this. (I wish I didn't, but I have no choice)
-I'll have to report this (no regret).
-I will have to report this (this is a decision I have come to after deliberating.)

But to give you an inkling of the other situations in which you should use will, take a look at the following:

Will

1. Offering to do something.
- That bag looks heavy. I'll help you with it (not I help)
- I've got no money left. Don't worry I'll lend you some

2. a) Agreeing or to do something
Sarah: you know that book I lent you? Could I have it back?
Amy: Sure, I'll bring it over tomorrow night. (not, "I bring")

b) Refusing to do something
- I've asked Vicky to help me but she won't

*WON'T: In the negative, won't is used to express unwillingness but doesn't always refer to the future:
He won't listen to a word the teacher says! (He never listens)
- I hate this car it won't start this morning either! = (the car refuses to start!)* It can also be used for inanimate objects

3. Promising to do something
Thanks for lending me that fiver. I'll pay you back on pay day.
I won't tell Pete what you said, your secret's safe with me.
Honestly mum, I promise I'll phone you as soon as I arrive.

4. Asking someone to do something…(Will you….?)
- Making Requests - Will you shut the door please?

- Giving Orders: - Will you be quiet!

- Giving Formal invitations:-
- Will you have some more tea?
- Won't you have some more tea? (an alternative & more pressing invitation)

Also we often use "will" with these words and expressions
§ Probably: - I'll probably be a bit late this evening
§ (I'm) sure: - You must meet Steve. I'm sure you'll like her
§ (I) expect: - I expect Beth will get the job.
§ (I) think: - Do you think Inter'll win the match?

Practice Exercise

Just a short exercise today. Decide which form is correct (or more natural) in these sentences. Cross out the one which is wrong or fill in the gap with the correct answer.

1. I will go/am going to a party on Saturday night. Do you fancy coming?
2. a. Have you and Steve decided where to go for your holidays next summer?
b. Yeah we will go /are going to Ireland.
3. Did you hear the weather forecast for tomorrow? It said it will rain / is going to rain.
4. Jane's arrived an hour late for the fourth time this week! It really can't go on, what are you going to do about it?
> Well I am going to /will have to give her a verbal warning
5. I'm sick to death of trying to talk sense to Anna she just …….. listen to a word I say!
6. I don't believe it!!! This bloody computer …….. work again today!
7. You must go to Barcelona, I'm sure you will/going to like it.
8. Dad I will / going to be late for work. …….. give me a lift?

Answers below

Answers
1. am going to; 2. are going to; 3. is going to; 4. either will or going to are correct - it depends whether you have regrets or not! Going to if you wish you didn't have to do it and will if you have no regrets. So are you a nice boss or not??? 5. won't; 6. won't; 7. will; 8. going to; will.