🔮 Grammar: The Future – be going to vs will
1ère Bac Sciences Expérimentales SEx
📌 Introduction
We use be going to and will to talk about the future — but in different situations. Understanding the difference helps you sound natural and accurate.
Science Tip: “In science: ‘We are going to test the water tomorrow’ (planned). ‘I think it will change color’ (prediction).”
🎯 “Be going to” – Plans & Evidence
When to Use “be going to”
- Planned actions: “We are going to do a biology experiment tomorrow.”
- Intentions: “I am going to study harder for the next test.”
- Visible evidence: “Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.”
Example: “They are going to present their project next week.”
🔮 “Will” – Predictions & Instant Decisions
When to Use “will”
- Predictions (no evidence): “I think it will rain tomorrow.”
- Instant decisions: “The phone is ringing. I will answer it.”
- Promises: “I will help you with your homework.”
- Offers: “Don’t worry, I will carry your books.”
Example: “I think scientists will discover new planets in the future.”
🆚 “Be going to” vs “Will”
| Be going to | Will |
|---|---|
|
Planned future actions “We |
Predictions (opinion) “I think it |
|
Based on evidence now “Look! The plant |
Instant decisions “The experiment failed. I |
Key Difference:
“I am going to study tonight.” → (planned)
“I will study if I finish my chores.” → (decision/promise)
✅ Exercise 1: Choose “be going to” or “will”
Select the correct future form:
1. I think it ___ rain tomorrow. (prediction)
2. We ___ do the experiment at 10 AM. (planned)
3. The phone is ringing. I ___ answer it. (instant decision)
✍️ Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences
Use be going to or will with the verb in parentheses:
1. I think we ___ (get) good results in our experiment.
2. They ___ (present) their project tomorrow. (planned)
3. It’s cold in here. I ___ (close) the window.
📌 Summary
- Be going to: Plans, intentions, evidence in the present
- Will: Predictions (I think…), instant decisions, promises, offers
- Planned? → use be going to
- Sudden decision? → use will
- In science: “We are going to test…” (planned), “I think it will change…” (prediction)
