Casa · B1 Intermediate · Lesson 2 of 20 · Step 1

Future Plans & Ambitions

Will vs Going To vs Present Continuous for Future

Use 'will' for spontaneous decisions and predictions
Use 'going to' for plans and intentions already decided
Use present continuous for fixed arrangements in the near future

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Will vs going to vs present continuous for future

Use 'will + infinitive' for spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking and for predictions based on opinion. Use 'going to + infinitive' for plans and intentions decided before the moment of speaking, and for predictions based on evidence. Use the present continuous (am/is/are + -ing) for definite arrangements with a fixed time and place.

I'll have the chicken, please. (spontaneous decision)

I'm going to study medicine — I've already applied. (pre-decided plan)

Look at those clouds — it's going to rain. (prediction based on evidence)

We're meeting the clients at 3 p.m. tomorrow. (fixed arrangement)

Exercises · type, then check

1. Complete each sentence with will, going to, or the present continuous form of the verb.

1.I've decided — I (learn) to drive this summer.

2.Wait, that bag looks heavy. I (help) you.

3.She (have) dinner with her boss at 7 tonight.

4.I think it (be) a great year for the company.

5.They (move) to Canada — they've already bought the tickets.

2. Match each sentence to the correct reason for the future form used.

1.I'll answer the phone.

2.We're flying to Rome on Tuesday.

3.She's going to take the exam in June.

4.I think robots will do most jobs in the future.

5.Look — the bus is going to leave without us!

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Reading

Plans for the Year Ahead

My friend Clara has big plans for this year. She is going to finish her master's degree in June, and she has already arranged several job interviews for July. Next Saturday, she is flying to Barcelona for a conference — she booked the flights last month. Clara thinks she will probably work in renewable energy because the sector is growing quickly. She also intends to volunteer at a local school once a week. I asked her what she will do if she doesn't find a job immediately, and she said, 'I'll figure it out — I always do.' I admire her confidence. I'm sure she will succeed because she is very determined and hardworking.

1. What is Clara going to finish in June?

2. Why does Clara think she will work in renewable energy?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Tell your partner about three plans or goals you have for the next twelve months. Explain which are definite arrangements and which are general intentions.

2Discuss with your partner: 'What do you think life will be like in twenty years?' Make predictions and explain your reasoning.

Writing

Write 6–8 sentences about your plans and ambitions for the future. Use will, going to, and the present continuous at least once each.

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Finished?

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