​Be going to

• ​We use be going to for plans and intentions, which we have already decided to do in the future. 

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Ex. We’ve decided that we are going to eat out.

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• We can also use be going to to make predictions about the future, particularly when we have evidence for the prediction.

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Ex. I’ve studied hard for this exam. I think I am going to pass. 

​Will

• We use will and won’t to make general predictions about the future. We often use think, hope, expect etc. with will and won’t to express our opinion.

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Ex. I think our next exam will be easy

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• We also use will and won’t when we decide to do something at the moment of speaking.

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Ex. You look tired. I will make the dinner tonight.

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• ​We use will and won’t to talk about the future when it is an objective truth.

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Ex. It’s my birthday next week. I will be seventeen

​How do I Know which one to use?

​Present Continuous

​We use the present continuous to talk about future arrangements or plans that have been confirmed.

Ex.

Tomorrow we are eating at an expensive restaurant. My parents booked last week.

​Present Simple

• ​We use the present simple directly after time expressions like when, as soon as, until, after and before. We cannot use will with these time expressions.

Ex.

When I go to the shops, I will buy something to eat.

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• We can also use the present simple to talk about the future when the action is part of a timetable or routine.

​Ex.

My class starts at 8 am tomorrow.

​Present Simple and Present Continuous