Will/be going to for predictions and decisions

1. will/be going to for predictions and decisions

4.1
will/be going to for predictions and decisions
1 We use will + infinitive without to and be going to to talk about predictions about
the future.
2 We often use will/won’t when the prediction is based on a personal feeling,
opinion or what we believe about the future.
1 The photo’s fantastic. I think you’ll win the competition.
2 You’ll see him at the party; I’m sure he’ll be there.
3 They won’t come, you’ll see! They’re too lazy!
4 I don’t think he’ll pass the driving test. He hasn’t practised enough.
3 Notice that we often use I don’t think + will rather than I think + won’t.
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2. will/be going to for predictions and decisions

4.1
will/be going to for predictions and decisions
1 We often use be going to when the prediction is based on some evidence to
support it, or the action has already started.
1 It’s going to rain soon, look at those dark clouds!
2 He’s just phoned to say there’s a delay, so he isn’t going to get here by 10.
3 She’s going to have the baby in March, isn’t she?
4 Surely you aren’t going to wear that light jacket today. It’s freezing outside!
5 They aren’t going to finish the presentation before lunch; look at the time.
© Oxford University Press

3. will/be going to for predictions and decisions

4.1
will/be going to for predictions and decisions
1 We use both will/won’t and be going to for decisions.
2 We often use will/won’t when we make a spontaneous decision at the same time
we are speaking, e.g. we often use will in cafés and restaurants when we’re deciding
what to eat at the same time as we order.
1 It’s too dark in here, isn’t it? I’ll put the lights on.
2 They won’t help you if you don’t ask in perfect English!
3 I’ll have the steak and I’ll have … um … I’ll have chips and salad with it, please.
3 We often use be going to when we have already made a decision or we are talking
about plans and intentions.
1 No, I’m not going to go to their party. I’m going to be away that weekend.
2 Are you going to do your final exams this year or next year?
© Oxford University Press

4. will/be going to for predictions and decisions

4.1
will/be going to for predictions and decisions
1 Complete the sentences with the correct form of will/won’t or be going to.
I’ll pass my exam.
1 He doesn’t think (I/pass) __________
We’re going to need more people to help us. There’s too much to do.
2 (We/need) __________________
you’ll like it.
3 Here’s your birthday present. We’re sure (you/like) __________
you’ll never get there on time.
4 If you don’t hurry up, (you/never/get) ______________
I won’t have it again. I think (I/have)
5 I had soup yesterday, so (I/not/have) ___________
I’ll have the salad, please.
__________
We’re going to stay with my sister in New
6 I’ve just booked the tickets. (We/stay) _________________
York next month.
© Oxford University Press