The Differences Between "Will" and "Be Going To" in Future Tenses

Wondering when to use "will" vs "be going to" to talk about the future? This guide breaks down the differences with simple examples, making it easy to get a handle on future tense in English.

What’s the Difference?

Talking about the future in English can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to figure out when to use "will" and when to go with "be going to." But don’t worry – once you understand the difference, it’ll make your conversations so much clearer. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key differences and give you some easy-to-follow examples to help you get the hang of it.

Understanding "Will"

"Will" is often used to express spontaneous decisions, promises, or predictions based on opinions or beliefs.

decisions, promises, or predictions

Examples:

Spontaneous Decisions:
- "I will help you with your homework."
Promises:
- "I will call you later."
Predictions:
- "It will rain tomorrow." (This indicates a belief or assumption about the weather.)

Understanding "Be Going To"

"Be going to" is primarily used for plans or intentions that have already been decided before the moment of speaking, as well as predictions based on present evidence.

Examples:

Planned Actions:
- "I am going to visit my grandmother this weekend."
Predictions Based on Evidence:
- "Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain."
  
  It's going to rain.

Comparative Analysis

To clarify the differences further, let's explore a list of sentences based on the likelihood of a future event occurring, ranked from least to most certain.

It might rain tomorrow. (20% chance)
It could rain tomorrow. (30% chance)
I think it will rain tomorrow. (50% chance)
It is likely to rain tomorrow. (60% chance)
It is supposed to rain tomorrow. (70% chance)
It is going to rain tomorrow. (80% chance)
It will rain tomorrow. (100% chance)

Expressing Doubt

When you want to express skepticism about a weather forecast, you can use phrases like:

"I heard it's going to snow tomorrow, but I really doubt it."
"The forecast says it will snow, but I’ve seen predictions change last minute."
"They say it’s supposed to snow tomorrow, but I’m not convinced."
"I read that it might snow, but I’m skeptical about the accuracy."
"I heard there’s a chance of snow, but I wouldn’t count on it."
"It’s predicted to snow, but I’ll believe it when I see it."
"They mentioned snow in the forecast, but it looks clear to me outside."

Comparative Analysis: Ranking Likelihood of a Future Event

Sentence	Likelihood of Event
It might rain tomorrow.	20% chance
It could rain tomorrow.	30% chance
I think it will rain tomorrow.	50% chance
It is likely to rain tomorrow.	60% chance
It is supposed to rain tomorrow.	70% chance
It is going to rain tomorrow.	80% chance
It will rain tomorrow.	100% chance

Quiz: Test Your Understanding of Future Event Likelihood

Which sentence implies the least certainty about rain tomorrow?
- A) It might rain tomorrow.
- B) It is going to rain tomorrow.
- C) It will rain tomorrow.
  Answer: A) It might rain tomorrow.
Which sentence expresses the highest level of certainty about rain tomorrow?
- A) It is likely to rain tomorrow.
- B) It will rain tomorrow.
- C) It is supposed to rain tomorrow.
  Answer: B) It will rain tomorrow.
Which sentence suggests a 50% chance of rain?
- A) I think it will rain tomorrow.
- B) It could rain tomorrow.
- C) It is supposed to rain tomorrow.
  Answer: A) I think it will rain tomorrow.
If someone says "It is likely to rain tomorrow," what percentage chance does it imply?
- A) 50%
- B) 60%
- C) 80%
  Answer: B) 60%
What sentence shows the least confidence in the forecast?
- A) It is going to rain tomorrow.
- B) I think it will rain tomorrow.
- C) I heard it might rain tomorrow, but I doubt it.
  Answer: C) I heard it might rain tomorrow, but I doubt it.
Which phrase suggests a moderate level of certainty about rain tomorrow?
- A) It is supposed to rain tomorrow.
- B) It might rain tomorrow.
- C) It will rain tomorrow.
  Answer: A) It is supposed to rain tomorrow.
If someone is skeptical about the weather forecast, which phrase might they say?
- A) I think it will rain tomorrow.
- B) I’ll believe it when I see it.
- C) It could rain tomorrow.
  Answer: B) I’ll believe it when I see it.
What sentence indicates a 30% chance of rain?
- A) It might rain tomorrow.
- B) It could rain tomorrow.
- C) It is likely to rain tomorrow.
  Answer: B) It could rain tomorrow.
Which sentence suggests you have seen the forecast but are still not convinced?
- A) I think it will rain tomorrow.
- B) I heard it's going to snow tomorrow, but I really doubt it.
- C) It is likely to rain tomorrow.
  Answer: B) I heard it's going to snow tomorrow, but I really doubt it.
Which sentence implies you have read the forecast and trust it?

A) It is going to rain tomorrow.
B) It will rain tomorrow.
C) It might rain tomorrow.
Answer: B) It will rain tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between "might" and "could" when talking about the weather?
- Both "might" and "could" suggest a possibility, but "could" implies a slightly stronger chance, while "might" expresses more uncertainty.
When should I use "it is supposed to" versus "it is likely to"?
- "It is supposed to" is used when referring to expectations, often based on the forecast, while "it is likely to" suggests a higher probability.
What does it mean when someone says, "I’ll believe it when I see it"?
- This phrase expresses doubt or skepticism about the weather forecast. The person is unsure about the accuracy of the prediction.
Is there any difference between "it will rain" and "it is going to rain"?
- Both phrases indicate a high probability of rain, but "it will rain" is often more definitive, while "it is going to rain" suggests the rain is already planned or expected soon.
How can I express uncertainty in a weather forecast?
- You can say things like "It might rain," "I’m not sure if it will rain," or "There’s a chance it could rain."
When should I use "I think it will rain"?
- Use this phrase when expressing a personal opinion about the likelihood of rain, especially when you don't have hard evidence.
What is the meaning of "settling a transaction fairly" in English?
- It means ensuring that both parties fulfill their obligations and there is a balanced exchange or agreement, often used in financial or personal matters.
How do I express a 100% certainty about something happening?
- Use phrases like "It will" or "It is going to," which indicate complete certainty.
Can I use "I think it will rain" for a weather forecast that I trust?
- Yes, this phrase can be used to express your belief in the forecast, though it may sound less certain than "It will rain."
Why do we use "might" or "could" in weather predictions?

"Might" and "could" are used when there’s a chance of something happening, but the event is not guaranteed, and they show a lower level of certainty.

Conclusion

So, here’s the deal: getting a solid grasp of the difference between "will" and "be going to" is super important for sounding natural and confident when speaking English. Knowing when to use each one will help you talk about the future in a way that makes sense, whether you’re sharing plans or making predictions. Keep practicing with the examples we’ve gone through, and try slipping them into your everyday conversations to get the hang of it.

Additional Resources

If you want to dive deeper into English grammar and future tenses, there are plenty of awesome online courses and language platforms to explore. And trust me, chatting with native speakers is one of the best ways to boost your fluency and feel more comfortable in real-life conversations.