Welcome to today’s English grammar lesson! We’re going to learn about how to make predictions in English using “”going to”” and “”will””. This is super useful when you want to talk about what you think will happen in the future. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think! This lesson is perfect for English learners at the A2 level who want to improve their spoken English and understand future predictions.

Understanding Predictions in English

When we make a prediction, we are saying what we think will happen in the future. We do this all the time! For example, you might predict it will rain later, or that your favorite football team will win their next game. In English, we often use “”going to”” and “”will”” to express these predictions. Let’s explore how to use each one correctly to improve your English grammar and spoken English skills.

“”Going to”” for Predictions

When to Use “”Going to”” for Predictions

We use “”going to“” for predictions when we have some evidence now that something will happen in the future. Think of it as a prediction based on what you can see or know right now. We often use “”going to”” when we are talking about:

• Plans and Intentions: Sometimes, our plans are very strong predictions because we have already decided to do something.
  Example: I am going to study English tonight. (This is my plan, so I predict I will study).
• Evidence-Based Predictions: When we see something now that suggests what will happen.
  Example: Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain. (The dark clouds are evidence of rain).
  Example: She is holding her stomach and looks pale. She is going to be sick. (Her appearance is evidence).

Forming Sentences with “”Going to””

The structure for sentences with “”going to”” is:

Subject + be (am/is/are) + going to + base verb

Let’s break it down with examples:

• I am going to travel to London next year.
• She is going to learn Spanish.
• They are going to buy a new car.
• It is going to be a hot day tomorrow.
• We are going to watch a movie tonight.
• You are going to pass your English exam! (If you study hard!)

Remember to use the correct form of “”be”” (am, is, are) depending on the subject. Practice saying these sentences out loud to improve your English pronunciation and spoken English fluency.

“”Will”” for Predictions

When to Use “”Will”” for Predictions

We use “”will“” for predictions when we are less certain, or when the prediction is based on:

• Opinions and Beliefs: When we think something will happen, but we don’t have strong evidence. It’s more of a guess or belief.
  Example: I think it will be sunny tomorrow. (This is my opinion, not based on strong evidence).
  Example: I will win the lottery one day! (This is a hope or belief, not a definite plan or evidence).
• Spontaneous Predictions: When we decide to make a prediction at the moment of speaking, without prior planning or evidence.
  Example: The phone is ringing! I will answer it. (Decided to answer now, spontaneously).
  Example: Oh no, I forgot my wallet! I will lend you some money. (Offering help immediately).
• Facts or General Knowledge: When we predict something based on what we know is generally true.
  Example: The sun will rise in the east. (This is a general fact).
  Example: Christmas will be on December 25th. (This is a fixed date).

Forming Sentences with “”Will””

The structure for sentences with “”will”” is simpler:

Subject + will + base verb

Here are some examples using “”will”” for predictions:

• I will probably go to the park later.
• She will be a great doctor.
• They will help you with your homework.
• It will be cold in winter.
• We will see you again soon.
• You will enjoy this movie! (My opinion/prediction).

Notice how “”will”” is the same for all subjects. This makes it easier to learn! Practice these sentences to improve your spoken English and become more confident in making predictions.

Key Differences Between “”Going to”” and “”Will”” for Predictions

Let’s summarize the main differences to help you remember when to use “”going to”” and “”will”” for predictions:

	“”Going to””	“”Will””
Basis of Prediction	Evidence now, plans, intentions	Opinions, beliefs, spontaneous decisions, general knowledge
Certainty	Often more certain because of evidence or plan	Often less certain, more of a guess or opinion
Examples	“”Look at the clouds, it’s going to rain.”” “”I’m going to study tonight.””	“”I think it will be sunny tomorrow.”” “”I will help you.””

Understanding these differences is key to using “”going to”” and “”will”” correctly and improving your English grammar skills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

English learners sometimes make mistakes with “”going to”” and “”will””. Here are a few common errors to watch out for:

• Using “”will”” for planned actions: It’s usually incorrect to use “”will”” for things you have already planned.
  Incorrect: I will go to the cinema tomorrow. (If it’s a plan)
  Correct: I am going to go to the cinema tomorrow.
• Forgetting “”be”” with “”going to””: Don’t forget the “”am,”” “”is,”” or “”are”” before “”going to.””
  Incorrect: She going to visit her grandmother.
  Correct: She is going to visit her grandmother.
• Overusing “”will”” for everything: Try to use “”going to”” when you have evidence or a plan to be more accurate in your English predictions.

By being aware of these mistakes, you can improve your English grammar and speak more naturally.

Let’s Practice! – Going to and Will Exercises

Now it’s time to practice what you’ve learned! Complete the exercises below to test your understanding of “”going to”” and “”will”” for predictions. This practice will help you improve your English speaking and writing skills.

Practice Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the best option, “”going to“” or “”will“”, to complete the sentences.

1. Look at the traffic! We _________ be late for the meeting.
2. I think it _________ snow tomorrow.
3. They have bought paint. They _________ paint their house this weekend.
4. “”I’m cold!”” “”I _________ close the window for you.””
5. She is pregnant. She _________ have a baby in July.

Practice Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Option

Select the best option (a or b) to complete each sentence correctly.

1. The sky is very clear tonight.
   1. It is going to be a cold night.
   2. It will be a cold night.
2. We have decided everything.
   1. We are going to get married next year.
   2. We will get married next year.
3. I feel terrible.
   1. I am going to faint.
   2. I will faint.
4. Do you need help with those bags?
   1. I am going to help you.
   2. I will help you.
5. According to the weather forecast,
   1. It is going to be sunny tomorrow.
   2. It will be sunny tomorrow.

Answer Key

Exercise 1 Answers:

1. are going to
2. will
3. are going to
4. will
5. is going to

Exercise 2 Answers:

1. a
2. a
3. a
4. b
5. a

Practice Speaking with Lingofrnd

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Conclusion: Mastering Future Predictions

Congratulations! You’ve learned how to use “”going to”” and “”will”” for predictions in English! Remember, “”going to”” is for predictions based on evidence or plans, and “”will”” is for opinions, beliefs, and spontaneous decisions. Keep practicing, and soon making future predictions in English will be easy and natural for you. For more English grammar lessons and to practice your spoken English, visit Lingofrnd.com and Download the Lingofrnd app. Happy learning!