Future Forms Empower B1+

We use will to make a spontaneous decision (a decision while we are speaking)

ex : OK, I’ll come for a run with you.

We use going to to talk about future plans (decisions we made earlier)

ex: We’re not going to stay at that hotel again.

We use the present continuous to talk about arrangements (fixed plans, usually involving other people and specific times and places)

ex: She’s travelling to Central America on Sunday.

There is not a big difference in meaning between going to and the present continuous to talk about future plans / arrangements. Often both are possible.

ex: I’m visiting /going to visit my sister this weekend.

We use will to make offers and promises

ex :

I’ll help you, if you like.

I’ll always be here when you need me

We use shall I / shall we in questions to make offers and suggestions

ex:

A: Shall I carry that for you?

В: Oh, yes, please.

A: Shall we go swimming on Saturday?

В: That’s a good idea.

We use will to make predictions based on our opinions

ex:

I'm sure you’ll learn a lot when you go travelling.

Don't put that there! It'll fall off

We use going to to make predictions based on concrete facts (= things that we can see or information that we have read, etc.)

ex:

We should leave soon. The roads are going to be busy.

It’s not going to rain. There isn't a cloud in the sky