Continuing with the topic of how to express the future

We continue with the topic of the future and ways to express it. After mastering (something I have no doubt about) present simple for timetables and present continuous for future arrangements, it's time for me to 'challenge you' with two new ways – will + infinitive and to be + going to + infinitive

I. Will ('ll)

For example:

Sue is talking to Helen:

Sue: Let's have a party.

Helen: That's a great idea. We'll invite lots of people.

We use will when we decide to do something at the time of speaking. The speaker has not decided before. The party is a new idea

decision now

past now future

II. to be + going to + infinitive

For example:

Later that day, Helen meets Dave:

Helen: Sue and I have decided to have a party. We're going to invite lots of people.

We use to be + going to + infinitive when we have already decided to do something. Helen had already decided to invite lots of people before she spoke to Dave.

decision before

past now future

Compare:

For example:

'Gary phoned while you were out.' 'OK. I'll call him back.'

'Gary phoned while you were out.' 'Yes, I know. I'm going to call him back.'

For example:

'Ann is in hospital.' 'Oh really? I didn't know. I'll go and visit her.'

'Ann is in hospital.' 'Yes, I know. I'm going to visit her this evening.'

To be continued……………