Looking at the Future —
Will, Going to & More
Master the main ways English expresses the future at B1 level: spontaneous decisions and predictions with will, plans and evidence-based predictions with going to, scheduled events with the Present Continuous, and timetabled events with the Present Simple. Then test your knowledge with 20 questions from a pool of 50.
Future with Will
Use will + base verb for: spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking, predictions based on opinion or belief, promises, offers, and requests. The negative is won't (will not). There is no -s in the third person.
Form: Subject + will / won't + base verb — e.g. "She will call you later." · "I won't be late."| Use | Signal Words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Spontaneous decision | I know! / OK | "The phone is ringing — I will get it!" |
| Prediction (belief) | I think / probably | "I think it will rain tomorrow." |
| Promise / offer | I promise / I'll help | "I will always be there for you." |
| Negative prediction | won't / I doubt | "She won't pass if she doesn't study." |
Future with Going to
Use be + going to + base verb for: plans or intentions already decided before the moment of speaking, and predictions based on present evidence (something you can see or know is about to happen). The verb be must agree with the subject: am / is / are.
Form: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb — e.g. "We are going to visit Paris." · "Look at those clouds — it's going to rain!"Present Continuous & Present Simple for the Future
The Present Continuous (am/is/are + -ing) is used for fixed personal arrangements — events already confirmed and in your diary. The Present Simple is used for timetabled or scheduled events (transport, cinema, school timetables, official events). Both refer to the future but sound very natural and certain.
Key: Present Continuous = your personal diary · Present Simple = official timetable| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| am/is/are + -ing | Fixed personal arrangement | "I am meeting Sara at 6 pm." |
| base verb / verb + -s | Official timetable / schedule | "The train leaves at 9:15." |
| will + base verb | Spontaneous / prediction | "I'll call you when I get there." |
| going to + base | Pre-decided plan / evidence | "She's going to quit her job." |
Practice Quiz — B1 Level
20 questions selected from a pool of 50 · Future Forms: will, going to, Present Continuous & Present Simple · Click your answer for instant feedback
Choose the correct future form to complete each sentence. Think about why the future is used — is it a spontaneous decision, a plan, a prediction, an arrangement, or a timetabled event? Click your answer for immediate feedback.