Fundamentals Of English Grammar

1 3-5 BE GOING TO vs. WILL

(a) She is going to succeed because she works Be goins to and will mean the same when they are

hard. ( used to make predictions about the future. 1

(b) She will succeed because she works hard. (a) and (b) have the same meaning.

(c) I bought some wood because I am going tn Be goins to (but nor will) is used to express a prior

build a bookcase for my apartment. plan (i.e., a plan made before the moment of

speaking). In (c):The speaker plans to build a

bookcase.

(d) This chair is too heavy for you to carry alone. Will (but not be going to) is used to express a

I'll help you. decision the speaker makes at the moment of

speaking. In (d): The speaker decides to help at the

immediate present moment; he did not have a prior

plan or intention to help.

EXERCISE 13. BE GOING TO vs. WILL. (Charts 3-1 -. 3-5)

Dimtias: Discuss the italicized verbs in the following dialogues. Are the speakers expressing

(1) plans they made before the moment of speaking, or

(2) decisions they are making at the moment of speaking?

1. A: Did you return Pam's phone call?
   B: No, I forgot. Thanks for reminding me. I'll call her right away.

+ Speaker B makes the decision at the moment of speaking.

2. A: I'm going w call Martha later this evening. Do you want to talk to her too?
   B: No, I don't think so.


3. A. Jack is in town for a few days.
   B: Really? Great! IPgive him a call. Is he staying at his Aunt Rosa's?


4. A: Alex is in town for a few days.
   B: I know. He called me yesterday. We're going to get together for a drink after I get
   off work tonight.


5. A: Are you leaving?
   B: Yes. I'm going to go for a short walk. I need some fresh air.
   A: 1% join you.
   B: Great! Where should we go?


6. A: I'm gmng to take Mohammed to the airport tomorrow morning. Do you want to
   come along?
   B: Sure.


7. A: We're going to go to Uncle Jacob's over the holiday. Do you want to come with us?
   B: Gee, I don't know. I'U think about it. When do you need to know?


8. A: Children, I have a very special job to do, and I need some help. I'm going to feed
   Mr. Whiskers, the rabbit. Who would like to help me?
   B: Me!
   C: I wiU!
   D: Me! Me! I will!
   E: I wiU! I will!