Ampersand Lab

Intermediate grammar · Lesson 23 · B1

I will and I'm going to

Will announces a decision made at the moment of speaking; going to reports a decision already made. For predictions both work, but going to is the one for what the present situation already shows.

Start the lesson

11Steps · about 21 minutes

In this lesson

Future actions: decided now, or decided alreadyA5 screens of questions
Future happenings: predictingB2 screens of questions

Point A of 2

Future actions: decided now, or decided already

Lauren is talking to Shona.

"Let's have a barbecue." "Brilliant idea. We'll invite the whole street."

Will announces a new decision. The barbecue has only just been thought of.

Later that day Shona meets Kev. "Lauren and I have decided to have a barbecue. We're going to invite the whole street."

Going to reports a decision already made. Shona decided before she spoke to Kev.

  • "Your mum's been trying to ring you." "Has she? All right, I'll ring her back."
  • "Your mum's been trying to ring you." "I know. I'm going to ring her after tea."
  • "Nikhil's in hospital." "Is he? I had no idea. I'll go and see him."
  • "Nikhil's in hospital." "Yes, I know. I'm going to see him tonight."

Point A · Exercise 23.1 · part 1 of 3

Complete the sentences with will ('ll) or (be) going to.

  1. Example

    A: Why have you put the kettle on? B: I'm going to make (I / make) a cup of tea.

    AnswerWhy have you put the kettle on? I'm going to make a cup of tea.

  2. A: I've left my purse at home. I've got no money. B: Never mind. (I / lend) you some.

  3. A: Why are you getting the stepladder out? B: (I / clean) the gutters.

  4. A: I can't work out how to use the new remote. B: It's easy. (I / show) you.

  5. A: I've decided to do up the spare room. B: Good for you. What colour (you / paint) it?

Point A · Exercise 23.1 · part 2 of 3

Complete the sentences with will ('ll) or (be) going to.

  1. A: Are you off to the shops? B: Yes, (I / get) something for tea.

  2. A: What can I get you? B: (I / have) the fish and chips, please.

  3. A: This soup is a bit odd, isn't it? B: It's revolting. (I / not / finish) it.

  4. A: Phoebe is starting a night class in January. B: Is she? What (she / study)?

Point A · Exercise 23.1 · part 3 of 3

Complete the sentences with will ('ll) or (be) going to.

  1. A: Did you ring the dentist? B: Oh no, I clean forgot. (I / ring) them now.

  2. A: Has Ellis decided what to do after his A levels? B: Yes, it's all planned. First (he / have) a gap year, then (he / do) an apprenticeship.

Point A · Exercise 23.2 · part 1 of 2

Read each situation and complete what is said, using will ('ll) or (be) going to.

  1. Example

    You fancy a sandwich and head for the kitchen to make one. You say to your friend:

    I'm going to make (I / make) a sandwich. Do you want one?

    AnswerI'm going to make a sandwich. Do you want one?

  2. You are arranging to meet a friend, and you suggest a time and a place.

    (I / see) you at seven outside the cinema, all right?

  3. You have decided to sell your motorbike, and you tell a friend.

    I hardly ride the bike any more. (I / sell) it.

  4. A friend is upset because she has lost her passport.

    Don't panic. I'm sure (you / find) it.

  5. Your old record player is broken. You have decided to throw it out, and you tell your friend.

    This record player is finished. (I / throw) it out.

Point A · Exercise 23.2 · part 2 of 2

Read each situation and complete what is said, using will ('ll) or (be) going to.

  1. Your friend collects old record players, and is horrified.

    Don't throw it out! (I / have) it.

  2. Sam has to get to the station early tomorrow and has no idea how. Nina offers to drive him.

    Don't worry about the station, Sam. (I / take) you.

  3. Later, Rob offers Sam a lift too. Sam tells him there is no need.

    Thanks, Rob, but (Nina / take) me.

Point B of 2

Future happenings: predicting

Predictions about future events and situations can take either will or going to.

going to bases the prediction on what is happening now: the present situation points to what comes next. Black clouds overhead point to rain. A meeting that starts in five minutes, a quarter of an hour away, points to lateness.

will bases the prediction on general knowledge or opinion, such as what a person is usually like.

  • I think the weather will brighten up later.
  • Look at that sky. It's going to clear up by lunchtime.
  • Those boots are well made. They'll last for years.
  • These walking boots are really sturdy. They're going to last me ages.
  • Look at that sky. It's going to pour. (not it will pour)
  • We're going to miss the train. It leaves in four minutes and the station is a mile away.
  • Darren will be late for the meeting. He's always late.

Point B · Exercise 23.3 · part 1 of 2

Match each sentence on the left with the sentence that follows it.

Use these

  1. He'll get his way in the end.
  2. She probably won't remember me.
  3. It's going to be a scorcher.
  4. I think it's going to collapse.
  5. It's going to have forty floors.
  6. You'll love it.
  7. I don't think it'll go through the door.
  8. I think he's going to nod off.

  1. Example

    Why don't you come to the folk festival with us?

    f

    AnswerWhy don't you come to the folk festival with us? You'll love it.

  2. That shelf looks dodgy.

  3. Grandad's eyes are closing.

  4. This wardrobe is enormous.

  5. The forecast is for clear skies.

Point B · Exercise 23.3 · part 2 of 2

Match each sentence on the left with the sentence that follows it.

Use these

  1. He'll get his way in the end.
  2. She probably won't remember me.
  3. It's going to be a scorcher.
  4. I think it's going to collapse.
  5. It's going to have forty floors.
  6. You'll love it.
  7. I don't think it'll go through the door.
  8. I think he's going to nod off.

  1. Ollie is very stubborn.

  2. They're putting up a new tower block on the old car park.

  3. I haven't seen Aunt Jean since I was ten.

Lesson 23 · Result

How you did

Next lesson: will be doing and will have doneBack to the course

–Right

Each point

A. Future actions: decided now, or decided already–Not checkedB. Future happenings: predicting–Not checked