Explanation
Exercises

Future forms — Will · Be going to · Present continuous

Predictions, plans & arrangements, timetables, time clauses, adverb placement, and common pitfalls (B1).
willbe going topresent continuous present simple (timetables)time clausesmay/might
🧩Forms
  • will + base verb — I’ll call you later.
  • be going to + base verb — We’re going to visit my aunt.
  • present continuous (future) — I’m meeting Anna at 6.
  • present simple (timetable) — The train leaves at 07:12.
Short forms: I’ll / won’t · I’m/you’re/he’s going to
🔮Predictions
MEANING
  • will = opinion/guess: I think he’ll win.
  • be going to = present evidence: Look at those clouds — it’s going to rain.
  • may/might = possible (not sure): I might join you later.
ℹ️
Use probably after the modal: will probably, is probably going to. Prefer Maybe/Perhaps at the start.
⚡Decisions
  • will = decision now: We’re out of milk? I’ll buy some.
  • be going to = prior plan/intention: I’m going to start yoga next month.
📅Arrangements
  • present continuous for fixed plans with people/time: We’re having lunch at 1.
  • be going to can also express arranged plans.
  • Tip: include a time word — tonight / at 6 / next week.
🕘Timetables
  • present simple for fixed schedules: The exam starts at 9.
⏱️Future time clauses
RULE After when, as soon as, until, before, after, if → use present (not will).
✅ I’ll call you when I get home.    ❌ …when I will get…
🤝Will: offers / requests / promises
  • Offers: I’ll carry that for you. · Shall I help? (BrE)
  • Requests: Will you open the window, please?
  • Promises/refusals: I’ll always love you. · He won’t do it.
  • Suggestions: Shall we go out tonight? (BrE)
  • Future facts: The president will visit Rome in May.
🧭Adverbs of certainty

Start of sentence

  • Maybe / Perhaps he’ll call.

After the modal

  • She will probably be late.
  • They’re probably going to move.
🎯Feel the difference
  • Spontaneous vs planned: I’ll make a sandwich. / I’m going to cook soup tonight.
  • Evidence vs belief: It’s going to break! / It’ll be fine.
  • Arrangement vs timetable: We’re meeting at 6. / The film starts at 6.
🛠️Common mistakes
  • ❌ I’ll text you when I will arrive. → ✅ …when I arrive.
  • ❌ It might probably snow. → ✅ It will probably snow / Maybe it’ll snow.
  • ❌ I go to dentist tomorrow. → ✅ I’m seeing the dentist tomorrow.
  • ❌ He don’t will come. → ✅ He won’t come.
➕Useful extras
  • be about to = very near future: I’m about to leave.
  • be due to / be set to: The flight is due to land at 9.
  • future continuous (will be V-ing): This time tomorrow I’ll be flying. / Polite: Will you be joining us?
🤔May & might (future)
  • Possible: I might be late for dinner.
  • Not certain plan: I might go to Denmark next September.
  • Negative possibility: We may not have enough time.
Exercises:
1
2
3

Future forms: Will, be going to, present continuous

Choose the most suitable future forms to complete the sentences below.
1
Look at those dark clouds — it soon.
2
I can’t meet you at two; I my dentist at 2:15.
3
You look cold — wait, I you my jacket.
4
We a barbecue next Saturday — it’s all arranged.
5
I think she the driving test this time.
6
Look at that car — it the red light!
7
What time Sam tomorrow?
8
I’m sure you love the new menu.
9
I bought wood and tools yesterday; I a bookshelf this weekend.
10
The tickets are booked. We to Spain on Friday.

Future forms: Will, be going to, present continuous

Choose the most suitable future forms for the gaps below.
1
What time ____ Sarah on Friday?
A.
B.
C.
2
Look at those dark clouds — it ____ soon.
A.
B.
C.
3
I’ve decided: I ____ the exam again next year.
A.
B.
C.
4
We ____ lunch with the investors at 1 p.m. tomorrow.
A.
B.
C.
5
I think our team ____ the final this year.
A.
B.
C.
6
The phone is ringing. —Don’t worry, I ____ it.
A.
B.
C.
7
She looks terrible. I think she ____ faint.
A.
B.
C.
8
Are you free on Saturday? —Sorry, I ____ my parents.
A.
B.
C.
9
What time ____ for the airport tomorrow?
A.
B.
C.
10
We haven’t got any milk. —Oh, right. I ____ some when I go out later.
A.
B.
C.

Future forms: Will, be going to, present continuous

Complete the dialogue with the most suitable future forms: present continuous, be going to, will, or shall.
1
ALEX: What (you/do) this Friday evening?
2
JAMIE: I (meet) Sam for dinner at 7.
3
ALEX: Nice! After dinner, (we/go) to the cinema?
4
JAMIE: I can’t — I (work) early on Saturday.
5
ALEX: No worries. When (you/be) free next week?
6
JAMIE: Let me check… I (have) a free evening on Tuesday.
7
ALEX: Great! What time (we/meet) outside the station?
8
JAMIE: If it’s raining, I (pick) you up.
9
ALEX: Thanks! I think it (not/rain) — the sky’s clear.
10
JAMIE: OK, then I (bring) my umbrella just in case.