What is the difference between will and be going to in English?
We use both the future simple (“will + base form”) and “be going to + base form” to talk about the future. In terms of grammatical correctness, we can technically use them interchangeably, but in some cases, one form is preferred and used more often than the other.
This table gives a summary of the main differences.
| will + base form | be going to + base form |
| Predictions based on opinions or beliefs – I think it will rain tomorrow. – You’ll enjoy the book. | Predictions based on current evidence (things that we know, or can see or hear) – Look at those dark clouds. It’s going to rain soon. – You always drive too fast. You are going to lose your licence. (US: license) |
| Spontaneous decisions These are decisions made at the moment of speaking. – A: We don’t have anything for dinner. _ B: OK. I’ll order pizza. – The phone is ringing. I’ll answer it. | Planned actions These are decisions made before the moment of speaking. – A: We don’t have anything for dinner. _ B: I know. I’m going to order pizza after work. – I’m going to visit my cousin next month. |
| Future facts We can use either form for future facts. The difference is that will usually sounds more neutral or formal, while be going to usually sounds more conversational. Note: We typically avoid using be going to in very formal writing such as academic papers or legal documents. – The election will take place in September. – The election is going to take place in September. | |
Note: There are many other uses of the future simple.
Click here for a full explanation of the future simple: https://learnenglishgrammar.com/future-simple-use/