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
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I will………… |
past now future
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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
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I am going to… |
……… |
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……………