English (UK) · Future

Will, Going to or Present Continuous?

English has three common ways to talk about the future. The situation tells you which one fits.

going to + verb: a prediction based on something you can see now (Look at those clouds! It's going to rain.) or a plan you decided on before (I'm going to learn Japanese.)
will + verb: a decision you make while speaking, an offer or a promise (The phone's ringing. I'll answer it.), and opinions after I think, I'm sure or with probably
am/is/are + -ing (present continuous): a fixed arrangement with a time, usually already booked or agreed with other people (I'm meeting Tom at six.)

For arrangements, going to is also correct, and for opinions going to is often possible too.

Examples

Look at those clouds! It (to rain).Show answer

Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.

The phone is ringing. – I (to answer) it.Show answer

The phone is ringing. – I will answer it.

I (to meet) Tom at six tonight. We booked a table.Show answer

I am meeting Tom at six tonight. We booked a table.

I think Brazil (to win) the match.Show answer

I think Brazil will win the match.

We've bought the tickets. We (to fly) to Rome next week.Show answer

We've bought the tickets. We are flying to Rome next week.

Watch out! That glass (to fall) off the table.Show answer

Watch out! That glass is going to fall off the table.

It's cold in here. – I (to close) the window.Show answer

It's cold in here. – I will close the window.

I've decided. I (to learn) Japanese next year.Show answer

I've decided. I am going to learn Japanese next year.

I've invited my parents. They (to come) for dinner on Sunday.Show answer

I've invited my parents. They are coming for dinner on Sunday.

I'm sure you (to love) this film.Show answer

I'm sure you will love this film.