Future Simple (will+infinitive) versus to be going to+infinitive:
Will + infinitive
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Be going to + infinitive
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A decision at the moment of speaking:
Julie: There's no milk. John: Really? In that case, I'll go and get some. |
A decision before the moment of speaking:
Julie: There's no milk. John: I know. I'm going to go and get some when this TV programme finishes. |
A prediction based on opinion:
I think the Conservatives will win the next election. |
A prediction based on visual evidence or on something you can hear:
The Conservatives are going to win the election. They already have most of the votes.
Look at the sky! It’s overcast. It’s going to rain.
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Both Will and Going to can be used for making future
predictions without having a real difference in meaning:
I think it will be foggy tomorrow. = I think it is going to be foggy tomorrow.
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A future fact:
The sun will rise tomorrow. |
To be going to is used to describe something is about to happen
Get back! The bomb is going to explode.
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For promises ; offers; threats; refusals; requests:
Promise:
I'll help you tomorrow if you like.
Offer:
I‘ll take you to the airport tomorrow.
Threat:
I‘ll tell your parents what you did.
Refusal:
No, I won’t cook your dinner, you can cook it yourself.
Request:
Will you bring some more water, please?
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Conditional type I:
If+simple present+future simple
If it’s sunny next week, we’ll go on a picnic.
Unless=if….not
Unless+simple present (affirmative)+future simple
Unless he studies hard, he won’t succeed.
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When/Once+ simple present+future simple
Once she finishes her homework, she will go to bed.
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References: For further information check the following links:
https://www.wallstreetenglish.com/blog/difference-between-shall-will-future-tense/ https://7esl.com/will-vs-going-to/