Another viewer question for Max: What is the difference between "I am going to" and "I will". Max explains!
Dear Max,
I have lived in the US for a couple of months now. Sometimes people say "going to" and sometimes people say "will" when talking about the future. They seem to be used in different situations, but I am still not sure why? I've asked people, but they find it hard to explain. Help!
Miguel,
Fort Worth, TX
They can be used interchangeably.
But there are times when one is more appropriate than the other.
WILL
quick decision
an offer
a promise or a threat
GOING TO
a plan, a prior decision
evidence/signs
"What are you doing tonight?"
"I'm going to watch that new sci-fi TV series."
"What are you doing tonight?"
"I'll probably watch that new sci-fi TV series." or
"I think I'll watch that new sci-fi TV series."
"Max, we've run out of toilet paper!!!"
"It's ok. I'll go to the shop and get some!"
"I'm going to go to the shop today and get some toilet paper.... we haven't had any since this morning!"
"It looks like it's going to rain today..."
"I think it'll rain today."
"Oh no! I've lost my keys."
Pick the correct answer
"It's ok. You know what?
Pick the correct answer
"I'm just going to grab a coffee...
Pick the correct answer
"I hear your son is headed to university in the fall?...
Pick the correct answer
"Could you lend me some money. I promise...
Pick the correct answer
"---- have a BBQ this weekend! We've been planning it for weeks."
Pick the correct answer
"I think Italy ____ win Eurovision this year."
For the best experience, download the Chatterbug Streams mobile app!
Full Video Duration:
13 minutes
Aired:
over 3 years ago
Download our free Mobile App to Unlock
For full functionality, including answering quizzes,
participating in group chat, tracking your progress and
access to thousands of other videos, download the free Chatterbug mobile app.