Grammar

Talking about the Future — will, going to, present continuous

Three ways to talk about the future and when to use each — essential for predictions (Speaking Task 4) and plans.

6 min read

Key strategies

1.will = instant decisions, promises, and general predictions: "I think it will rain."
2.be going to = plans already decided, or predictions based on evidence: "Those clouds mean it is going to rain."
3.Present continuous = fixed arrangements with a time/place: "I am meeting her on Friday."
4.Soften predictions with probably, most likely, I think — the future is never certain.

Three futures

will + base verb — a decision made at the moment of speaking, a promise, or a general prediction:
- "That bag looks heavy — I will carry it for you." (instant decision)
- "I think prices will rise next year." (prediction)
be going to + base verb — a plan you have already decided, or a prediction with visible evidence:
- "We are going to paint the kitchen this weekend." (plan)
- "Look at the sky — it is going to storm." (evidence)
present continuous — a fixed arrangement, usually with a time or place:
- "I am seeing the doctor at 4pm."

If the plan existed before you spoke, use going to. If you decide as you speak, use will.

"The phone is ringing — I will get it." (decided now) "I am going to call the bank tomorrow." (already planned)

Speaking Task 4 (Making Predictions) is built on the future. Base each prediction on a clue and soften it:

"The sky is getting dark, so it is probably going to rain, and the people will most likely pack up their picnic."

Notice probably / most likely — predictions should sound like reasoned guesses, not certainties.

A quick self-check on this lesson — pick an answer, then see the explanation. Not graded.

1. The phone rings unexpectedly. You say:

2. Prediction with visible evidence: "Look at those dark clouds — it ___ rain."

3. A fixed arrangement: "I ___ my manager at 3pm tomorrow."

4. Which sounds most natural for a CELPIP prediction?

The right words lift your score. Study task-specific CELPIP word lists with definitions, examples and exam tips.

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