WHICH FUTURE? (will / going to / present continuous) (A2 Grammar)
You know three future forms. This review is about choosing the right one. The choice depends on the situation, not the time word.
Quick tip: Deciding now / opinion / offer = will. Plan or evidence = going to. Arrangement with a set time = present continuous.
will — decide now / predict / promise
Use 'will' for a decision made at this moment, an opinion-prediction (I think...), an offer, or a promise.
The phone's ringing. I'll get it.
I think it will be a good film.
I'll help you with that.
I promise I won't be late.
going to — a plan, or evidence you can see
Use 'going to' for an intention you decided before now, or a prediction based on present evidence.
We're going to paint the kitchen this weekend.
I'm going to study medicine.
Look at those clouds — it's going to rain.
She's tired; she's going to fall asleep.
present continuous — a fixed arrangement
Use the present continuous (am/is/are + -ing) for an arrangement with another person, with a set time or place.
I'm meeting the doctor at 3pm.
We're having dinner with Lars on Friday.
She's starting her new job on Monday.
They're flying to Senfarren tomorrow.
Which one? Ask about the situation
Decided just now / opinion / offer = will. Planned before / evidence = going to. Arranged with someone, time set = present continuous.
(arranged) I'm seeing the dentist at 4.
(intention) I'm going to see a dentist soon.
(deciding now) My tooth hurts — I'll call the dentist.
Same topic, three situations, three forms.
Common mistakes
Not "I will meet the doctor at 3 (it's already booked)." — say "I'm meeting the doctor at 3.". A booked arrangement = present continuous, not spontaneous will.
Not "Look at the clouds — it will rain." — say "Look at the clouds — it's going to rain.". Evidence you can see = going to, not opinion-will.
Not "The phone's ringing. I'm going to get it." — say "The phone's ringing. I'll get it.". An on-the-spot decision = will, not a pre-made plan.
Practise it
Before you choose, ask: did I decide just now (will), before now (going to), or is it arranged with someone (present continuous)?