Future

will, going to or present progressive?

future in the present We generally use present forms (present progressive or am/are/is going to) when we can see the future in the present: we already see things coming or starting.

We prefer will (the most common form) when we are simply giving information about the future, with no special reason for using present forms. Compare:

🖌 I'm seeing Janet on Tuesday. (the arrangement exists now.)

I wonder if she'll recognize me. (not talking about the present)

 We're going to get a new car. (The decision already exists.)

I hope it will be better than the old one. (not talking about the present)

⚾️plans

 Be going to and the present progressive can both be used to talk about plans.

We use the present progressive mostly when the time and/or place are fixed. Compare:

🖌I'm going to take a holiday some time soon. let's spending next week in France.

Emma's going to study biology. Phil's starting work on Monday'

🎾decisions 

We prefer be going to and the present progressive for decisions and plans 

that exist in the present - they have already been made. We prefer will to announce decisions as we make them. Compare:

'We've got a lot of bilk to pay 'I know. I'm going to do them all on Monday.'

The plumber's bill has just come in.' 'OK, I'll pay it.

🏀predictions 

what we expect We prefer going to when we can already see the future in the present

we can see things coming or starting, or they are already planned. We prefer will to say what we think or believe about the future. Compare:

🖌Careful! The meat's going to burn. (I can see it now.)

Don't ask Pete to cook the steak - he'll burn i r. (I'm sure, because I know him.)

We don't use the present progressive to predict events which are outside our control.

Its going to rain soon.(❌not it's raining)