Understanding the Difference Between the ‘Going To’ Form and the ‘Will’ Form in English Grammar (Games and Downloadable activity sheet included)

 

Image Quiz: What should we use? is it - going to form or will with rain...

In English, we often use the words "going to" and "will" to talk about future events, plans, and actions. While they both describe things that will happen in the future, their usage can differ based on context and meaning. Understanding when to use "going to" versus "will" is essential for speaking and writing clearly and effectively.

You can teach the usages of ‘will’ form and ‘going to’ form and their key differences and have a extensive practice using the Bingo game and the activity sheet provided.  

 

The ‘Will’ Form: Expressing Future Intentions and Predictions

The modal verb “will” is often used to express a variety of future actions or events. These include:

• Spontaneous decisions or promises: When you make a decision or offer help at the moment of speaking, "will" is the correct choice.

Example:
I’ll call you later.
(You decide to call at the moment.)

• Predictions about the future: When you predict what might happen, regardless of evidence or planning, we often use "will."

Example:
The weather will be sunny tomorrow.
(A general prediction about future weather.)

• Offers and requests: "Will" can also be used to make offers or requests.

Example:
Will you help me with this task?
(A polite request.)

• Formal future predictions or plans: Sometimes, "will" is used in more formal contexts, such as business or legal documents.

Example:
The company will release a new product next year.
(A formal announcement of a future event.)

 

 The ‘Going To’ Form: Expressing Planned Actions or Evidence-Based Predictions

The “going to” form, made up of the verb “to be” in the present (am/are/is) + “going to” + base verb, is used in a few different ways. It generally conveys the idea that something is intended, planned, or certain because of current evidence. Here are the main uses:

• Planned actions or intentions: Use "going to" when you have already decided or planned to do something in the future, or when you have made arrangements.

Example:
I’m going to visit my grandmother next weekend.
(A planned action.)

• Predictions based on current evidence: When you make a prediction based on something you can observe in the present, “going to” is often used.

Example:
Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain soon.
(A prediction based on visible evidence.)

• Imminent future events: "Going to" is commonly used when something is about to happen, and the action is seen as very likely.

Example:
The concert is starting. It’s going to begin in five minutes.
(An event that is imminent or highly likely.)

 

Key Differences Between 'Going To' and 'Will'

While both forms refer to the future, their usage depends on whether the action is planned, spontaneous, or predicted:

• Use "will" when making spontaneous decisions, promises, predictions with little evidence, or formal statements.
• Use "going to" when you have already planned an action, or when your prediction is based on current evidence.

 

Examples to Clarify the Difference

Let’s take a few examples to compare how "will" and "going to" change the meaning of a sentence:

• Spontaneous Decision vs. Planned Action:
• I think I’ll go for a walk. (A decision made on the spot)
• I’m going to go for a walk later. (A planned action)
• Prediction Based on Evidence vs. General Prediction:
• Look at those dark clouds. It’s going to rain soon. (Based on evidence)
• It will rain tomorrow. (A general prediction without evidence)
• Future Action vs. Promise/Offer:
• I’m going to meet Sarah at 3 PM. (A scheduled meeting)
• I’ll help you with that. (A promise made at the moment)

 

Let’s Practice Future Forms with Bingo Game

Through this game students will practice and reinforce the use of "going to" and "will" through a bingo-style game.

Materials Needed:

• Bingo cards (with squares to fill in)
• Markers or pens
• A set of cards (or slips of paper) with sentences that need the correct future form ("going to" or "will")
• A list of "going to" and "will" sentences for the teacher (for calling out)

 

How to Play:

Step 1: Prepare Bingo Cards
Create bingo cards with 25 blank squares (5x5 grid). In each square, write a sentence that requires either "going to" or "will" to complete. Each card should have a mix of both forms, so students have to think about which future form fits best in each case.

Example Bingo Card Sentences:

1. She _______ (visit) her grandmother tomorrow.
2. I _______ (eat) dinner at 7 PM.
3. We _______ (watch) the new movie on Saturday.
4. I think it _______ (rain) tomorrow.
5. I _______ (help) you with your homework later.

(Include a variety of "going to" and "will" sentences.)

 

Step 2: Distribute the Cards
Give each student a bingo card and a marker (or something to cover the squares).

Step 3: Calling Out Sentences
The teacher (or a student) will call out a sentence with a missing verb (e.g., “She _______ (visit) her grandmother tomorrow”). The students must identify the correct form (either "going to" or "will") and fill it in.

For example:

• Teacher says: "She _______ (visit) her grandmother tomorrow."
• Students must listen and decide: "She is going to visit her grandmother tomorrow."
• If students have this sentence on their bingo card, they mark it off.

Step 4: Play Bingo!
Students continue marking off the sentences on their bingo cards as the teacher calls out more sentences. The first student to complete a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) shouts "Bingo!" and wins.

Step 5: Check the Bingo Card
After a student calls out "Bingo," check their card to make sure they filled in the correct forms of "going to" or "will" for each sentence. If everything is correct, they win the game!

Let's Practice further. Download the worksheet and give a copy for each student or can do this as a pair work. Download it here. 

 

Both "will" and "going to" are essential tools for expressing future actions and predictions in English. While they may seem similar, each form has its own nuances and appropriate contexts. By understanding the differences, you’ll be able to speak and write with greater precision, ensuring that your meaning is always clear. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll feel more confident using these forms in different situations!

This post was created using the creative AI tool Chat GPT for the sake of educational purposes. Hope you would use it to enhance your teaching experience.