Lesson 14 of 46

Talking about the future

Choose between will, going to, and the present continuous.

The rules

1.Use will for instant decisions, promises, and predictions: "I'll send it now."
2.Use going to for plans and intentions you already have, and predictions from evidence: "I'm going to apply next week." "Look at those clouds — it's going to rain."
3.Use the present continuous for fixed arrangements: "We are meeting at 3."
4.After if, when, before, after, and as soon as, use the present simple for the future, not will: "When I arrive, I will call you."

Incorrect: ~~When I will arrive, I will call you.~~

Correct: When I arrive, I will call you.

No "will" after "when".

Incorrect: ~~If it will rain, we will stay home.~~

Correct: If it rains, we will stay home.

No "will" after "if".

Incorrect: ~~Tomorrow I go to the bank.~~

Correct: Tomorrow I am going to the bank.

Use a future form for plans.

Watch out: Put "will" in the main clause, never in the time or condition clause.

1. I'll call you as soon as I ___.

2. The phone is ringing. I ___ answer it.

3. If she ___ late, we will start without her.

Paste any text and see exactly what to fix, with the rule explained.