How to Use the Simple Future (Will) and 'Be Going To'

We use the simple future for:

1. A decision at the moment of speaking:
   A: 'I'm cold'.
   B: 'I'll close the window'.


2. Prediction based on opinion:
   I think the Conservatives will win the next election.


3. A future fact:
   The sun will rise at 7am.


4. Promises / requests / refusal / willingness:
   I'll help you with your homework.
   Will you give me a hand?
   I will give up smoking!


5. In the same way as the future continuous, but with state verbs:
   I'll be at the station when you arrive.
   

'Shall' is used mainly in the forms 'shall I ?' and 'shall we?' in British English. These forms are used when you want to get someone's opinion, especially for offers and suggestions:

• Shall I open the window? (=do you want me to open the window).
• Where shall we go tonight? (=what's your opinion?).

We use 'be going to' + infinitive for:

1. Future plans made before the moment of speaking:
   A: 'We've run out of milk.'
   B: 'I know, I'm going to buy some.'
   
   
2. Prediction based on present evidence:
   Look at those boys playing football! They're going to break the window.
   
   

• Read about the difference between 'will' and 'be going to' here.
• Try an exercise where you choose the future simple or present simple here.
• Try an exercise where you choose 'will' or 'be going to' here.