English Grammar & Use - B1+ Suite
First, some Orientation
B1 BASE
Mid B1
B1 TOP
START
Will & Going to
CONTENT:
- Will
- Going to
- Expressions for expressing Probability
PREDICTIONS
OUTCOME STATEMENT: By the end of this module, you will understand when to use WILL for predictions and when to use GOING TO, you will also understand the differences in communicative meaning.
STUDY TIME: 30 Minutes QUIZ: 30 Questions in 30 Minutes
Returning user?JUMP TO MODULE MENU
Will & Going to for Opinions & Predictions
1. WILL
2. GOING TO
Plus May/Might & other expressions
3. Other Ways of Predicting
- Ways of expressing 'probability'
Module Download Collection
- These downloads are also found in sections 1,2 & 3 of the module
Review the Challenge Sentences
Will & Going to for Predictions
If you have completed all 3 units, it's time to try the module exit quiz. Leave the Module and do the quiz on AIM4.
Look again at the 'Challenge' phrases. I hope you now understand why each is correct or not.
Plus May/Might & other expressions
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
WILL expresses our Personal & General Beliefs about future events and situations
1. We often start our 'WILL' predictions with OPINION PHRASES e.g. I think
I.E. WE USE 'WILL' TO GIVE OUR OPINIONS.
e.g. I think aliens will visit me soon! (People call me crazy, but that's what I THINK It's MY opinion.)
In the 'Will' and 'Going to' units I'm going to take you through
At the end of the 'Going to' unit there is a review of the main rules and some words about:
- When it doesn't really matter which you use!
WHEN TO USE WILL
Learn why we use 'opinion phrases' with WILL
2. We can make our opinions sound stronger or weaker by using adjectives, adverbs or opionion phrases with Will and by using other modal verbs
It will rain tomorrow.
He will pass the exam.
Aliens will land in Rome soon.
I will live to be 120 years old.
All these phrases are presented as 'objective facts'. But are they actually facts?? NO, they aren't
I You He She It We They
WILL
When used without an opinion phrase, WILL sounds like an objective statement of fact
So to avoid sounding like our opinions are OBJECTIVE FACTS, we introduce them with an opinion phrases
It will rain tomorrow.
He will pass the exam.
Aliens will land in Rome soon.
I will live to be 120 years old.
I think
B. Weaker/less certain Opinions
- I'm sure (that) + will
- I'm certain (that) + will
- I'm convinced (that) + will
- I have no doubt (that) + will
- Without a doubt + will
- There's no doubt (that) + will
- I'm positive (that) + will
- There's no question (that) + will
- Maybe + will
- Perhaps + will
- May (modal verb)
- Might (modal verb)
- Could (modal verb)
and the opinion phrases
- I 'spose (that)...
- I guess (that)...
He will pass the exam.
NB: Remember, WILL alone sounds like a fact
Sounds like my opinion is a FACT
A. Stronger/more certain Opinions
opinion phrases
A. Informal
A. More formal
Remember, we use these Opinion Phrases because 'WILL', without an opinion phrase, seems like a statement of FACT
- In my opinion
- As far as I'm concerned
- As I see it
- To my mind + WILL
- To be honest
- I think/I don't think (that)
- I reckon (that) (means: in my estimation)
- I bet (that)
- I guess (that) + WILL
- I believe (that)
- I suppose (that)
- I 'spose (that) (a short form of 'I suppose')
- For me...
He will arrive soon
I reckon he will arrive soon
can seem like my opinion is a FACT
is clearly only my opinion
FOCUS: STRONG vs WEAK
!!!!!!! BUT: 'WILL + BE' Expresses Facts !!!!!!!!
So, 'I think It'll rain' sounds like this:
WILL is often contracted onto the word that comes before. If that word ends with a consonant, we have to 'inject' a vowel sound before the of CONTRACTED WILL WHEN WE ARE SPEAKING. The vowel sound is schwa, , and it sounds like this:
/Ә/
'll
FOCUS: OPINION PHRASES
When we use WILL for predictions, we are NOT STATING FACTS, WE ARE GIVING OUR OPINIONS. Opinions are subjective.
PLEASE REMEMBER THIS!
FOCUS on PRONUNCIATION
NEXT: GOING TO
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
WILL expresses our Personal & General Beliefs about future events and situations
1. We often start our predictions with OPINION PHRASES
2. We can make our opinions sound stronger or weaker by using adjectives, adverbs or opionion phrases with Will and by using other modal verbs
I.E. WE USE 'WILL' TO GIVE OUR OPINIONS.
e.g. I think aliens will visit me soon! People call me crazy, but that's what I THINK. It's MY opinion. I'M a believer!
opinion phrases
A. Informal
A. More formal
We use these Opinion Phrases because 'WILL', without an opinion phrase, seems like a statement of FACT
- In my opinion
- As far as I'm concerned
- As I see it
- To my mind + WILL
- To be honest
- I think/I don't think (that)
- I reckon (that) (means: in my estimation)
- I bet (that)
- I guess (that) + WILL
- I believe (that)
- I suppose (that)
- I 'spose (that) (a short form of 'I suppose')
- For me...
He will arrive soon
I reckon he will arrive soon
can seem like my opinion is a FACT
is clearly only my opinion
B. Weaker/less certain Opinions
- I'm sure (that) + will
- I'm certain (that) + will
- I'm convinced (that) + will
- I have no doubt (that) + will
- Without a doubt + will
- There's no doubt (that) + will
- I'm positive (that) + will
- There's no question (that) + will
- Maybe + will
- Perhaps + will
- May (modal verb)
- Might (modal verb)
- Could (modal verb)
and the opinion phrases
- I 'spose (that)...
- I guess (that)...
He will pass the exam.
NB: Remember, WILL alone sounds like a fact
Sounds like my opinion is a FACT
A. Stronger/more certain Opinions
!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT: 'WILL + BE' Expresses Facts
When we use WILL for predictions, we are not communicating that we have EVIDENCE about the development of future events, just that we personally believe they will develop in the way we are saying
So, 'I think It'll rain' sounds like this:
WILL is often contracted onto the word that comes before. If that word ends with a consonant, we have to 'inject' a vowel sound before the of CONTRACTED WILL WHEN WE ARE SPEAKING. The vowel sound is schwa, , and it sounds like this:
/Ә/
'll
Return to going to
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
Great, now we know that we use WILL for Personal Opinions & General Beliefs, so let's focus on
GOING TO for PREDICTIONS: There are 3 main reasons for using 'Going to'
When the prediction is based on EVIDENCE we have either 1) READ, 2) HEARD ABOUT, or 3) COLLECTED ourselves, we use 'Going to'.
1.
WHEN TO USE 'GOING TO'
FOCUS
If we have a SOURCE of EVIDENCE for a PREDICTION, we use 'GOING TO'
I heard on the radio weather report* that it's going to rain this afternoon
The weather report is our SOURCE of EVIDENCE.
e.g.
COMMON SOURCES of EVIDENCE.
- Newspapers
- TV/Radio reports
- Magazines
- Business Reports
- Research
- Seminars
- Textbooks
- Talkshows
- Other People**
So, I read, I heard, or I collected evidence! But what are the SOURCES of Evidence?
Reporting things you've heard or read
**
- This article says iPhone sales are going to halve soon because of increased competition from other brands.
- The news mentioned that inflation is going to increase because of rising energy costs.
- The weather forecast says it's going to snow tomorrow because a cold front is moving in.
- The report predicts that house prices are going to rise due to high demand and low supply.
- Experts say the company is going to go bankrupt because of its huge financial losses.
- Scientists warn that sea levels are going to rise because of climate change and melting ice caps.
- This study says smart working is going to become more common as companies adapt to new technology.
- The doctor said I'm going to recover fully because the surgery was successful.
Examples
- WHEN YOU USE GOING TO, YOUR PREDICTIONS SOUND LIKE YOU HAVE 'EVIDENCE', i.e it's not just your opinion
- WHEN YOU USE WILL, YOUR PREDICTIONS SOUND LIKE PERSONAL OPINIONS
THE KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER ...
Do You remember the 'Challenge' sentence: 'In my opinion, he's going to pass the exam'??
Well, even after 'In my opinion' the use of 'going to' is OK if you have EVIDENCE. Maybe you saw him do preparation tests and pass them all, or maybe you KNOW that the exam is actually very easy! Maybe you are his teacher!!
REVIEW 'WILL'
When the prediction is based on something we can 1) SEE, 2) HEAR, or 3) FEEL while we are speaking, we use 'Going to'.
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
FOCUS
When we base a prediction on OUR SENSES, we use 'GOING TO'
e.g. My stomach feels strange, I think I'm going to vomit!
This prediction is based on how I FEEL
Why don't we say 'My stomach feels strange, I think I'll vomit' ?
Common 'Sensory' phrasesused with 'going to':
- Look!...
- Look out!
- Listen!...
- It looks like/as if...
- It sounds like/as if..
- You (etc) look like/as if
Senses: extension Notes
Well, that is wrong because of the phrase 'Look out': Look out that chair is going to break! is correct
Do you remember the 'Challenge' sentence: "Look out! That seat will break!!" ??
REMEMBER:
Because we are basing these predictions our senses and the sensory information is CURRENT, the event we are predicting normally happens very quickly after our prediction, e.g.
Jo: My head is spinning, I think I'm going to faint!
Bob: Well, sit down before you fall down!
When we see or feel that something is 'going to happen' very quickly after we make our prediction, we often say, "XX IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN"e.g. - I think I'm about to faint.
- Look out! That dog is about to steal your steak!
THE KEY THING TO REMEMBER
I think I will vomit!
I think I'm going to vomit!
Is a prediction based on my senses - The action is involuntary!
Is a decision! ('Will' for making instant decisions)
REVIEW 'WILL'
REVIEW 'GOING TO + EVIDENCE'
When something is CERTAIN to happen due to THE NATURAL PROGRESSION OF CAUSE & EFFECT, we use 'GOING TO'
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
Read Me!
FOCUS
There are many 'chains' of events, i.e. relationships of cause and consequence where one event leads to another. Use 'Going to' to talk about the next event in a chain of linked events:
A Chain of Events
- Get Pregnant > Childbirth: e.g. I'm pregnant! I'm going to have a baby!!
- Overeat continuously > Get fat: e.g. Oh dear, I keep on overeating, I'm going to get fat.
- Don't study for a difficult exam > Fail the exam: e.g. I didn't study! I'm going to fail!!
- faulty brakes > Have an accident; e.g. I need to fix the brakes or I'm going to have an accident.
FURTHER EXAMPLES
- Wow, she's heavily pregnant. I'm sure she's going to give birth soon.
- That stupid driver is looking at his phone, not looking at the road. He's going to cause a crash.
- He's just drunk 10 vodka shots in 3 minutes. He's going to feel really drunk soon.
- They just reduced the price of Rolex watches by 90%, now everybody is going to buy one!
- Jim: I boiled the pasta for 20 minutes
Francesca: Well Jim, it's not going to be 'al dente'! You English really don't understand how to cook pasta, do you! NB: Often the events we predict are going to happen in the near future, not in the distant future
NEXT: Review of the main points about 'Will' & 'Going to' & some last words
GOING TO for Predictions (1,2 & 3) WORKSHEET DOWNLOAD
REVIEW 'WILL'
REVIEW 'GOING TO + EVIDENCE'
REVIEW 'GOING TO + SENSES'
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
We often start our predictions with Opinion Phrases
We use adjectives, adverbs and phrases to modify how strong our predictions sound
When we use 'WILL' the prediction is our OPINION
You can express any opinion you want with 'will'. Maybe the thing you predict will happen. Maybe it won't. It's just your opinion, you don't have evidence.
How many times was your prediction correct?
Predicting the next number!
- Before you click the dice to roll it, predict what you think the number will be*. Repeat 6 times.
* e.g. I reckon it'll be 3!
- I reckon I'll live to be 110 years old
When we use 'GOING TO' we are expressing that our prediction has a BASE of EVIDENCE of SOME SORT
The sources of evidence can be External: i.e. things we read and things we hear on the TV/the radio or things we hear about from other people Internal: i.e evidence from our senses (visual, auditory or kinesthetic) NB: the event predicted from sensory evidence often takes place in the immediate futurev
We also use 'GOING TO' when there is a 'NATURAL PROGRESSION' of events, i.e. when the next event in a chain of events must naturally take placev.
- If you drop your mobile phone, it's going to fall (not rise! Gravity exists!)
- I read a report that said global temperature is going to rise by 3° before 2030
- Look out! The pasta is going to boil overv
GOING TOThings to Remember
You have now studied when to use 'Will' and when to use 'Going to'. Click the buttons to my right before a I have few last words on the subject!
WILLThings to Remember
Vocabulary Notes
Pronunciation Notes
WILL or GOING TOLast words...
People 'in the know*' use GOING TO when predicting
*In the know: Having insider knowledge or being well-informed.
So, If you want to sound like you are in the know, use 'going to'!
Remember, 'going to' predictions are based on evidence. People with insider knowledge have evidence. This evidence is often their deep level of experience regarding the thing they are talking about. Experts often use 'going to'!
Listen to the audio. The speaker works at a space technology company. He's talking about space tourism.
Read this short report. David Gilmour, a founding member of Pink Floyd, talks about the possibility of a Pink Floyd reunion
WILL BE !
Remember!!
- Tomorrow will be hot = FACT
- Tomorrow is going to be hot = Evidence based prediction
- I reckon tomorrow will be hot = My opinion
'WILL BE' if used without an 'opinion phrase' IS A STATEMENT OF FACT e.g. I will be 35 next year (FACT) Compare:
Gilmour says..
You have now completed 'WILL & GOING TO' for Predictions. Return to the Module Home Page
Idiomatic expressions:
- There isn't a cat in hell's chance of XX = very very low probability
- There isn't a snowball in hell's chance of XX = very, very low probability
'The chances are' & 'the odds are' that XX will happen.
These expressions mean that there is a high probability of something happening.
Modifying the probability:
- Mother: Do you think my son will pass the exam?
- Teacher: He's a good student so the chances are that he will pass.
NB: To sound more confident, the teacher should say "He's a good student, I'm sure he's going to pass"
The chances are very good that XX will happen
The odds are very high that XX will happen
High Probability:
Lower Probability:
The chances are not so good that XX will happen
The odds are not very high that XX will happen
There is a remote chace that XX will happen
e.g.
- Jim: Hey Paul, is it likely to snow this week?
- Paul: Well, it's quite warm, so I think it's unlikely to snow.
What's the likelyhood of XX? (noun) [laɪkliˌhʊd]
How likely is XX (adjective) [laɪkli]
This is a common way of expressing "What is the probability of XX". It is particularly used in non-technical English.
e.g.
- Jim: Hey Paul, what's the likelyhood of snow this week?
- Paul: Well, it's quite warm, so I think the likelyhood is quite low.
This is a common way of expressing "how probable is XX". It is particularly used in non-technical English.
e.g.
- Jim: Hey Paul, How likely is snow this week?
- Paul: Well, it's quite warm, so I think snow is unlikely.
If the probability is low, we use unlikely
To be likely to + verb
We use this structure with verbs.
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS - WAYS OF EXPRESSING PROBABILITY
Probability: The mathematically calculated chance of something happening, usually expressed as a percentage or fraction. For example, if there's a 70% probability of rain, it means there's a high chance it will rain
We are now going to look at some ways of expressing PROBABILITY
THE CHANCES ARE...
LIKELYHOOD & Likely
Talking about probabilities
NEXT
The Modal Verb 'Could' expresses that something is POSSIBLE* in the future e.g. Take an umbrella, it could rain* later.
NB: We don't use COULDN'T in the same way to mean "it is not possible in the future". Say "Rain isn't possible!"
*rain is possible (not probable, not certain - just possible In reality, this means "the current weather conditions make rain possible", but nobody would really say all that!)
The Modal Verb 'Should' can be used to make predictions about the future when there is a reasonable expectation of an outcome. We use 'Should' when something is likely to happen, but it is not guaranteed. The prediction is based on current information, experience, or logical reasoning. e.g. The package should arrive* by tomorrow
*Based on the usual delivery times, it's reasonable to expect the package to arrive the next day.
More examples:
- We should reach* our destination by noon
- The movie should start* in a few minutes
- After the update, the software should run* faster
*Given the distance and expected traffic conditions, arriving by noon is a reasonable prediction.
*According to the schedule
*It is reasonable to expect that updates improve performance
We Use Predictive "Should":
- When giving advice with expected results.
- When making educated guesses about the future.
- When stating expectations based on norms or routines.
The Modal Verbs 'May' & 'Might' both express a lowish* probability that something happens in the future
May & Might are basically equivalent to Maybe + Will & Perhaps + Will so they communicate uncertainty
e.g.
It may/might rain later = Maybe it will rain later
- The probabability of rain is low/rain is uncertain
NB. The Modal Verb 'May' is also used to ask for and give permission (i.e. like 'can') e.g.
- Jo: May I use your phone?
- Bill: Yes, you can.
So, to avoid potential confusion, many people don't use MAY when talking about probability, they use MIGHT. e.g.
- Jo: Are you gonna watch the football tonight?
- Jack: I might.
Key Point:
- I may/might go = Maybe I will go, but I'm not sure
MAY / MIGHT
COULD / SHOULD
*ISH
e.g. Someone should admit you shortly!
WELL DONE!YOU HAVE FINISHED THE PREDICTIONS MODULE click here for next steps
Other Meanings
Section 3: PROBABILITYDOWNLOAD
1) BOIL OVER (Verb): When water is 100°C or more, it boils. When we are cooking pasta we use boiling water. If the water is too hot it can go over the top of the pan.
- Turn the gas down or the pasta will boil over. (the water will go out of the pan)
2) The Immediate future/The near future: the future that is 'nearest' to now, maybe the next few minutes, hours or days depending on the context. NOTE: We do not say "the next future" in English.
- It's not going to rain in the immediate future (the next few hours)
3) Take Place (verb): Happen - Occur
- When is the party going to take place?
A chain of events: A series of connected things that happen, where one event causes the next. It's like a real chain, where each link is connected to the one before and after. If one event happens, it leads to the next, and then another, just like the links in the chain. Expressions for 'chains of events': ACTION (A) leads to RESULT (B) A results in B A causes B B is a consequence of A B is due to A
WILL BE
The phrase 'WILL BE' has a special place in English because it doesn't really follow the normal 'rules' that govern 'Will + Other Verbs'. i.e. these 'rules': 1. When predicting, 'will' expresses our opinions
- I think Paolo will pass his exam.
2. We use 'will' to react to events happening in the present and when making spontaneous decisions
- I'm hungry, so I'll have a sandwich.
WILL BE is a Statement of Fact e.g.
- I will be 35 next year. [FACT]
- The 25th of December 2027, i.e. Christmas Day 2027, will be a Saturday. [FACT]
[trust me, I checked - Module Author :) ]
- I will be in Milan tomorrow. [FACT]
So, to give your opinion, not a statement of fact, using 'WILL BE', you must use one of the opinion phrases (still visible on screen under this window) e.g.
- I think it will be cold tomorrow.
- I reckon he will be here soon.
WILL BE
The phrase 'WILL BE' has a special place in English because it doesn't really follow the normal 'rules' that govern 'Will + Other Verbs'. i.e. these 'rules': 1. When predicting, 'will' expresses our opinions
- I think Paolo will pass his exam.
2. We use 'will' to react to events happening in the present and when making spontaneous decisions
- I'm hungry, so I'll have a sandwich.
WILL BE is a Statement of Fact e.g.
- I will be 35 next year. [FACT]
- The 25th of December 2027, i.e. Christmas Day 2027, will be a Saturday. [FACT]
[trust me, I checked - Module Author :) ]
- I will be in Milan tomorrow. [FACT]
So, to give your opinion, not a statement of fact, using 'WILL BE', you must use one of the opinion phrases (still visible on screen under this window) e.g.
- I think it will be cold tomorrow.
- I reckon he will be here soon.
Talking about the future: Making Predictions
4 of the 6 Sentences included Incorrect or Unnatural Uses of 'WILL' & 'GOING TO' !!
- When talking about the future we are either
1) Talking about something that is Scheduled to happen 2) Talking about Reactions, Personal Plans & Mutual Arrangements 3) Making Predictions, i.e. talking about future things which are not under our own control/decision making power
- This mini module looks Predictions. It focuses principally on the difference between WILL & GOING TO, but covers May & might too
1) See the SURFACE Module "Present Simple Futures" for details of this use
2) See the SURFACE Module "3 Futures - Will, Going To & Present Continuous" for details of these uses
A Quick Challenge:
Which of the sentences below do you think are correct? Click on your choice between "I think it's correct" & "I think it's incorrect"
'WILL' is NOT correct in 1 !! 'Look out! That seat's going to break' is correct
You said:
You said:
'Will' is NOT correct in 4 !! Oh no! I'm going to be sick! is correct
I think it's correct
1. Look out! That seat will break!!
4. Oh no! I'll be sick!
I think it's correct
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
both 'Will' & 'Going to' are possible in 2 !! But there is a difference! With 'OPINIONS' WILL is usually used, not 'GOING TO'
Will' is NOT correct in 5 !! 'Look at those clouds, it's going to rain' is correct
I think it's correct
2. In my opinion, he's going to pass the exam
5. Look at those clouds, it will rain.
I think it's correct
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
'Will' IS correct in 6 !!
'Going to' is not correct in 3 !! I think aliens will visit me soon! is correct
I think it's correct
6. I think more people will use electric cars soon.
I think it's correct
3. I think aliens are going to visit me soon!
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
Click to Show / Hide The Correct Sentences
You are going to find out why they are 'incorrect' in this module!
GONNA
When mother tongue speakers speak at normal speed, they don't usually pronounce 'GOING TO' with its standard dictionary pronunciation, i.e. ɡoʊɪŋ tu They use the rapid native speech (RNS) pronunciation, written 'GONNA' and pronounced 'ɡənə' This pronunciation uses a short, weak vowel sound, called 'SCHWA' [ ə ], twice! schwa = The second SCHWA in GONNA, i.e. ɡənə, represents the word 'to', so never say, 'It's gonna to rain'
To Faint (v) To suddenly lose consciousness for a short period of time, usually because of a drop in blood flow to the brain. When someone faints, they fall down and become unconscious, but they usually wake up after a few seconds or minutes.
Talking about the future: Making Predictions
4 of the 6 Sentences included Incorrect or Unnatural Uses of 'WILL' & 'GOING TO' !!
- When talking about the future we are either
1) Talking about something that is Scheduled to happen 2) Talking about Reactions, Personal Plans & Mutual Arrangements 3) Making Predictions, i.e. talking about future things which are not under our own control/decision making power
- This mini module looks Predictions. It focuses principally on the difference between WILL & GOING TO, but covers May & might too
1) See the SURFACE Module "Present Simple Futures" for details of this use
2) See the SURFACE Module "3 Futures - Will, Going To & Present Continuous" for details of these uses
A Quick Challenge:
Which of the sentences below do you think are correct? Click on your choice between "I think it's correct" & "I think it's incorrect"
'WILL' is NOT correct in 1 !! 'Look out! That seat's going to break' is correct
You said:
You said:
'Will' is NOT correct in 4 !! Oh no! I'm going to be sick! is correct
I think it's correct
1. Look out! That seat will break!!
4. Oh no! I'll be sick!
I think it's correct
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
both 'Will' & 'Going to' are possible in 2 !! But there is a difference! With 'OPINIONS' WILL is usually used, not 'GOING TO'
Will' is NOT correct in 5 !! 'Look at those clouds, it's going to rain' is correct
I think it's correct
2. In my opinion, he's going to pass the exam
5. Look at those clouds, it will rain.
I think it's correct
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
'Will' IS correct in 6 !!
'Going to' is not correct in 3 !! I think aliens will visit me soon! is correct
I think it's correct
6. I think more people will use electric cars soon.
I think it's correct
3. I think aliens are going to visit me soon!
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
Click to Show / Hide The Correct Sentences
You are going to find out why they are 'incorrect' in this module!
REVIEW:
Which of the following predictions use WILL & GOING TO CORRECTLY? - Click or for each phrase below:
1. Look out! That seat will break!!
4. Oh no! I'll be sick!
Sorry! You were wrong Look out! That seat's going to break!!
Sorry! You were wrong The use of Will is NOT correct here Oh no! I'm going to be sick! is correct
Well done! You were correct The use of Will is NOT correct here 'Look out! That seat's going to break' is correct
Well done! You were correct The use of Will is NOT correct here Oh no! I'm going to be sick! is correct
2. In my opinion, he's going to pass the exam
5. Look at those clouds, it will rain.
Sorry! You were wrong The use of Will is NOT correct here 'Look at those clouds, it's going to rain' is correct
Well done! You were correct The use of Will is NOT correct here 'Look at those clouds, it's going to rain' is correct
Well, both 'Will' & 'Going to' are possible But there is a difference! With 'OPINIONS' WILL is usually used, not 'GOING TO'
3. I think aliens are going to visit me soon!
6. I think more people will use electric cars soon.
Well done! You were correct The use of Going to is wrong here. I think aliens will visit me soon! is correct
Sorry! You were wrong The use of Going to is NOT correct here I think aliens will visit me soon! is correct
Well done! You were correct The use of Will IS correct here
Sorry! You were wrong The use of Will IS correct here
I'm sure you now understand why the 'challenge' phrases use 'Will', which use 'Going to' and which phrases could use both, depending on the context.
MAY/MIGHT/COULD & SHOULD HAVE OTHER USES You can refer to the relevant SURFACE Modules on these Modals for more detail
A4 CREATIONS © 2024 by JONATHAN BOYDELL is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Module worksheets from sections 1 - 3.
Section 1: WILLDOWNLOAD
Section 2: GOING TODOWNLOAD
Section 3: PROBABILITYDOWNLOAD
All worksheets are covered by the following copyright class:A4 CREATIONS © 2024 are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International They may be freely downloaded and used, but not altered.
When we are telling other people about things we have heard or read, we normally use
- I heard that XX is going to happen
- I read that XX is going to happen
This makes it very clear that we are not giving our own personal opinion - we are citing something To Cite = means to mention or refer to someone else's words, ideas, or information to show where you got them from.
A Natural Progression of CAUSE & EFFECT
When one thing PREDICTABLY leads to another thing it's a natural progession e.g.
If you run a marathon today, your legs are going to feel tired tomorrow. It's natural
I love working online, but waiting for students to connect, less so!!
The suffix -ish when added to words has one of these meanings: 1. Is 'a little XX, but not very XX' (XX stands for the word the suffix is added to) e.g.
- The background color of this window is greenish (i.e. it is a little green, but not very green)
- His work is goodish (quite good, but not very good)
- I'm hungry-ish* (a bit hungry, but not very) *you can say hungry-ish, but the more standard word with the same meaning is peckish
- He's tallish (quite tall, but not very tall)
2. Around/Approximately e.g.
- See you at sixish (around six o'clock, not exactly six o'clock)
- There were a hundredish people at the party (approximately one hundred)
In informal English use, we often use -ish alone as an answer to someone's question. Jack: Are you tired? Bob: ish! Bob communicated that he is only a bit tired. ISH is also found in many standard words. It is not a suffix in these words, it is part of the word itself:
- Selfish - He's very selfish (He only thinks of himself, he doesn't consider other people)
- Stylish - Her flat is very stylish (Her flat is visually appealing, has a certain, appreciable style)
- Foolish - He made a foolish decision (A decision that a stupid decision)
- Lavish - Her flat is very lavish (Her flat contains many objects that cost a lot of money)
- Squeamish - I hate the sight of blood. I'm squeamish (Unable to look at unpleasant things such as blood, injury. Probably doesn't enjoy horror films!)
- Bookish - He's very bookish (Enjoys reading and other intellectual pursuits)
Sensory Expressions often used with 'Going To' 1) Visual - Verbs: See - Look - Watch - Look like
- I can see that the gray horse is going to win the race. It's 50 metres ahead of all the other horses and it's only 50 metres until the end of the race
- Look at those black clouds, It's going to rain soon.
- Look out (also Watch out/Be careful), that chair is going to break.
- You look like you are going to faint! (said when someone suddenly loses all colour in their face)
2) Auditory - Verb: Sound like
- Did you hear that thunder, it sounds like it's going to rain
3) Kinesthetic - Verb: Feel - Feel like
- My stomach feels really bad, I think I'm going to be sick
- I feel like I'm going to faint, my head is spinning.
Now do the practice exercises on the Aim4 site
Come back soon to review & consolidate.
**Remember, the source of our predictions can be things that other people have told us, or what we have heard other people say.
e.g.
- "I heard someone say that there's going to be a metro strike soon."
When you say "I think I will vomit" you are making a SPONTANEOUS DECISION! That's a voluntary action, something you want to do! Apart from predictions, 'Will' also expresses Reactions/Spontaneous Decisions and Voluntary actions You can find out more about this in the SURFACE Module "3 Futures"
Predictions_Will vs Going to
J B
Created on September 9, 2024
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Transcript
English Grammar & Use - B1+ Suite
First, some Orientation
B1 BASE
Mid B1
B1 TOP
START
Will & Going to
CONTENT:
PREDICTIONS
OUTCOME STATEMENT: By the end of this module, you will understand when to use WILL for predictions and when to use GOING TO, you will also understand the differences in communicative meaning.
STUDY TIME: 30 Minutes QUIZ: 30 Questions in 30 Minutes
Returning user?JUMP TO MODULE MENU
Will & Going to for Opinions & Predictions
1. WILL
2. GOING TO
Plus May/Might & other expressions
3. Other Ways of Predicting
Module Download Collection
Review the Challenge Sentences
Will & Going to for Predictions
If you have completed all 3 units, it's time to try the module exit quiz. Leave the Module and do the quiz on AIM4.
Look again at the 'Challenge' phrases. I hope you now understand why each is correct or not.
Plus May/Might & other expressions
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
WILL expresses our Personal & General Beliefs about future events and situations
1. We often start our 'WILL' predictions with OPINION PHRASES e.g. I think
I.E. WE USE 'WILL' TO GIVE OUR OPINIONS.
e.g. I think aliens will visit me soon! (People call me crazy, but that's what I THINK It's MY opinion.)
In the 'Will' and 'Going to' units I'm going to take you through
- When to use Going to
At the end of the 'Going to' unit there is a review of the main rules and some words about:WHEN TO USE WILL
Learn why we use 'opinion phrases' with WILL
2. We can make our opinions sound stronger or weaker by using adjectives, adverbs or opionion phrases with Will and by using other modal verbs
It will rain tomorrow.
He will pass the exam.
Aliens will land in Rome soon.
I will live to be 120 years old.
All these phrases are presented as 'objective facts'. But are they actually facts?? NO, they aren't
I You He She It We They
WILL
When used without an opinion phrase, WILL sounds like an objective statement of fact
So to avoid sounding like our opinions are OBJECTIVE FACTS, we introduce them with an opinion phrases
It will rain tomorrow.
He will pass the exam.
Aliens will land in Rome soon.
I will live to be 120 years old.
I think
B. Weaker/less certain Opinions
- Maybe + will
- Perhaps + will
- May (modal verb)
- Might (modal verb)
- Could (modal verb)
and the opinion phrasesHe will pass the exam.
NB: Remember, WILL alone sounds like a fact
Sounds like my opinion is a FACT
A. Stronger/more certain Opinions
opinion phrases
A. Informal
A. More formal
Remember, we use these Opinion Phrases because 'WILL', without an opinion phrase, seems like a statement of FACT
He will arrive soon
I reckon he will arrive soon
can seem like my opinion is a FACT
is clearly only my opinion
FOCUS: STRONG vs WEAK
!!!!!!! BUT: 'WILL + BE' Expresses Facts !!!!!!!!
So, 'I think It'll rain' sounds like this:
WILL is often contracted onto the word that comes before. If that word ends with a consonant, we have to 'inject' a vowel sound before the of CONTRACTED WILL WHEN WE ARE SPEAKING. The vowel sound is schwa, , and it sounds like this:
/Ә/
'll
FOCUS: OPINION PHRASES
When we use WILL for predictions, we are NOT STATING FACTS, WE ARE GIVING OUR OPINIONS. Opinions are subjective.
PLEASE REMEMBER THIS!
FOCUS on PRONUNCIATION
NEXT: GOING TO
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
WILL expresses our Personal & General Beliefs about future events and situations
1. We often start our predictions with OPINION PHRASES
2. We can make our opinions sound stronger or weaker by using adjectives, adverbs or opionion phrases with Will and by using other modal verbs
I.E. WE USE 'WILL' TO GIVE OUR OPINIONS.
e.g. I think aliens will visit me soon! People call me crazy, but that's what I THINK. It's MY opinion. I'M a believer!
opinion phrases
A. Informal
A. More formal
We use these Opinion Phrases because 'WILL', without an opinion phrase, seems like a statement of FACT
He will arrive soon
I reckon he will arrive soon
can seem like my opinion is a FACT
is clearly only my opinion
B. Weaker/less certain Opinions
- Maybe + will
- Perhaps + will
- May (modal verb)
- Might (modal verb)
- Could (modal verb)
and the opinion phrasesHe will pass the exam.
NB: Remember, WILL alone sounds like a fact
Sounds like my opinion is a FACT
A. Stronger/more certain Opinions
!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT: 'WILL + BE' Expresses Facts
When we use WILL for predictions, we are not communicating that we have EVIDENCE about the development of future events, just that we personally believe they will develop in the way we are saying
So, 'I think It'll rain' sounds like this:
WILL is often contracted onto the word that comes before. If that word ends with a consonant, we have to 'inject' a vowel sound before the of CONTRACTED WILL WHEN WE ARE SPEAKING. The vowel sound is schwa, , and it sounds like this:
/Ә/
'll
Return to going to
WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
Great, now we know that we use WILL for Personal Opinions & General Beliefs, so let's focus on
GOING TO for PREDICTIONS: There are 3 main reasons for using 'Going to'
When the prediction is based on EVIDENCE we have either 1) READ, 2) HEARD ABOUT, or 3) COLLECTED ourselves, we use 'Going to'.
1.
WHEN TO USE 'GOING TO'
FOCUS
If we have a SOURCE of EVIDENCE for a PREDICTION, we use 'GOING TO'
I heard on the radio weather report* that it's going to rain this afternoon
The weather report is our SOURCE of EVIDENCE.
e.g.
COMMON SOURCES of EVIDENCE.
So, I read, I heard, or I collected evidence! But what are the SOURCES of Evidence?
Reporting things you've heard or read
**
Examples
THE KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER ...
Do You remember the 'Challenge' sentence: 'In my opinion, he's going to pass the exam'??
Well, even after 'In my opinion' the use of 'going to' is OK if you have EVIDENCE. Maybe you saw him do preparation tests and pass them all, or maybe you KNOW that the exam is actually very easy! Maybe you are his teacher!!
REVIEW 'WILL'
When the prediction is based on something we can 1) SEE, 2) HEAR, or 3) FEEL while we are speaking, we use 'Going to'.
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
FOCUS
When we base a prediction on OUR SENSES, we use 'GOING TO'
e.g. My stomach feels strange, I think I'm going to vomit!
This prediction is based on how I FEEL
Why don't we say 'My stomach feels strange, I think I'll vomit' ?
Common 'Sensory' phrasesused with 'going to':
Senses: extension Notes
Well, that is wrong because of the phrase 'Look out': Look out that chair is going to break! is correct
Do you remember the 'Challenge' sentence: "Look out! That seat will break!!" ??
REMEMBER:
Because we are basing these predictions our senses and the sensory information is CURRENT, the event we are predicting normally happens very quickly after our prediction, e.g.
Jo: My head is spinning, I think I'm going to faint!
Bob: Well, sit down before you fall down!
When we see or feel that something is 'going to happen' very quickly after we make our prediction, we often say, "XX IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN"e.g.- I think I'm about to faint.
- Look out! That dog is about to steal your steak!
THE KEY THING TO REMEMBER
I think I will vomit!
I think I'm going to vomit!
Is a prediction based on my senses- The action is involuntary!
Is a decision! ('Will' for making instant decisions)- The action is voluntary!
REVIEW 'WILL'
REVIEW 'GOING TO + EVIDENCE'
When something is CERTAIN to happen due to THE NATURAL PROGRESSION OF CAUSE & EFFECT, we use 'GOING TO'
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
Read Me!
FOCUS
There are many 'chains' of events, i.e. relationships of cause and consequence where one event leads to another. Use 'Going to' to talk about the next event in a chain of linked events:
A Chain of Events
FURTHER EXAMPLES
- Jim: I boiled the pasta for 20 minutes
Francesca: Well Jim, it's not going to be 'al dente'! You English really don't understand how to cook pasta, do you! NB: Often the events we predict are going to happen in the near future, not in the distant futureNEXT: Review of the main points about 'Will' & 'Going to' & some last words
GOING TO for Predictions (1,2 & 3) WORKSHEET DOWNLOAD
REVIEW 'WILL'
REVIEW 'GOING TO + EVIDENCE'
REVIEW 'GOING TO + SENSES'
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS with WILL & GOING TO
We often start our predictions with Opinion Phrases
We use adjectives, adverbs and phrases to modify how strong our predictions sound
When we use 'WILL' the prediction is our OPINION
You can express any opinion you want with 'will'. Maybe the thing you predict will happen. Maybe it won't. It's just your opinion, you don't have evidence.
How many times was your prediction correct?
Predicting the next number!
* e.g. I reckon it'll be 3!
When we use 'GOING TO' we are expressing that our prediction has a BASE of EVIDENCE of SOME SORT
The sources of evidence can be External: i.e. things we read and things we hear on the TV/the radio or things we hear about from other people Internal: i.e evidence from our senses (visual, auditory or kinesthetic) NB: the event predicted from sensory evidence often takes place in the immediate futurev
We also use 'GOING TO' when there is a 'NATURAL PROGRESSION' of events, i.e. when the next event in a chain of events must naturally take placev.
GOING TOThings to Remember
You have now studied when to use 'Will' and when to use 'Going to'. Click the buttons to my right before a I have few last words on the subject!
WILLThings to Remember
Vocabulary Notes
Pronunciation Notes
WILL or GOING TOLast words...
People 'in the know*' use GOING TO when predicting
*In the know: Having insider knowledge or being well-informed.
So, If you want to sound like you are in the know, use 'going to'!
Remember, 'going to' predictions are based on evidence. People with insider knowledge have evidence. This evidence is often their deep level of experience regarding the thing they are talking about. Experts often use 'going to'!
Listen to the audio. The speaker works at a space technology company. He's talking about space tourism.
Read this short report. David Gilmour, a founding member of Pink Floyd, talks about the possibility of a Pink Floyd reunion
WILL BE !
Remember!!
'WILL BE' if used without an 'opinion phrase' IS A STATEMENT OF FACT e.g. I will be 35 next year (FACT) Compare:
Gilmour says..
You have now completed 'WILL & GOING TO' for Predictions. Return to the Module Home Page
Idiomatic expressions:
'The chances are' & 'the odds are' that XX will happen.
These expressions mean that there is a high probability of something happening.
Modifying the probability:
NB: To sound more confident, the teacher should say "He's a good student, I'm sure he's going to pass"
The chances are very good that XX will happen
The odds are very high that XX will happen
High Probability:
Lower Probability:
The chances are not so good that XX will happen
The odds are not very high that XX will happen
There is a remote chace that XX will happen
e.g.
What's the likelyhood of XX? (noun) [laɪkliˌhʊd]
How likely is XX (adjective) [laɪkli]
This is a common way of expressing "What is the probability of XX". It is particularly used in non-technical English.
e.g.
This is a common way of expressing "how probable is XX". It is particularly used in non-technical English.
e.g.
If the probability is low, we use unlikely
To be likely to + verb
We use this structure with verbs.
A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - MAKING PREDICTIONS - WAYS OF EXPRESSING PROBABILITY
Probability: The mathematically calculated chance of something happening, usually expressed as a percentage or fraction. For example, if there's a 70% probability of rain, it means there's a high chance it will rain
We are now going to look at some ways of expressing PROBABILITY
THE CHANCES ARE...
LIKELYHOOD & Likely
Talking about probabilities
NEXT
The Modal Verb 'Could' expresses that something is POSSIBLE* in the future e.g. Take an umbrella, it could rain* later.
NB: We don't use COULDN'T in the same way to mean "it is not possible in the future". Say "Rain isn't possible!"
*rain is possible (not probable, not certain - just possible In reality, this means "the current weather conditions make rain possible", but nobody would really say all that!)
The Modal Verb 'Should' can be used to make predictions about the future when there is a reasonable expectation of an outcome. We use 'Should' when something is likely to happen, but it is not guaranteed. The prediction is based on current information, experience, or logical reasoning. e.g. The package should arrive* by tomorrow
*Based on the usual delivery times, it's reasonable to expect the package to arrive the next day.
More examples:
*Given the distance and expected traffic conditions, arriving by noon is a reasonable prediction.
*According to the schedule
*It is reasonable to expect that updates improve performance
We Use Predictive "Should":
The Modal Verbs 'May' & 'Might' both express a lowish* probability that something happens in the future
May & Might are basically equivalent to Maybe + Will & Perhaps + Will so they communicate uncertainty
e.g.
It may/might rain later = Maybe it will rain later
NB. The Modal Verb 'May' is also used to ask for and give permission (i.e. like 'can') e.g.
So, to avoid potential confusion, many people don't use MAY when talking about probability, they use MIGHT. e.g.
Key Point:
MAY / MIGHT
COULD / SHOULD
*ISH
e.g. Someone should admit you shortly!
WELL DONE!YOU HAVE FINISHED THE PREDICTIONS MODULE click here for next steps
Other Meanings
Section 3: PROBABILITYDOWNLOAD
1) BOIL OVER (Verb): When water is 100°C or more, it boils. When we are cooking pasta we use boiling water. If the water is too hot it can go over the top of the pan.
- Turn the gas down or the pasta will boil over. (the water will go out of the pan)
2) The Immediate future/The near future: the future that is 'nearest' to now, maybe the next few minutes, hours or days depending on the context. NOTE: We do not say "the next future" in English.- It's not going to rain in the immediate future (the next few hours)
3) Take Place (verb): Happen - OccurA chain of events: A series of connected things that happen, where one event causes the next. It's like a real chain, where each link is connected to the one before and after. If one event happens, it leads to the next, and then another, just like the links in the chain. Expressions for 'chains of events': ACTION (A) leads to RESULT (B) A results in B A causes B B is a consequence of A B is due to A
WILL BE
The phrase 'WILL BE' has a special place in English because it doesn't really follow the normal 'rules' that govern 'Will + Other Verbs'. i.e. these 'rules': 1. When predicting, 'will' expresses our opinions
- I think Paolo will pass his exam.
2. We use 'will' to react to events happening in the present and when making spontaneous decisionsWILL BE is a Statement of Fact e.g.
- I will be 35 next year. [FACT]
- The 25th of December 2027, i.e. Christmas Day 2027, will be a Saturday. [FACT]
[trust me, I checked - Module Author :) ]So, to give your opinion, not a statement of fact, using 'WILL BE', you must use one of the opinion phrases (still visible on screen under this window) e.g.
WILL BE
The phrase 'WILL BE' has a special place in English because it doesn't really follow the normal 'rules' that govern 'Will + Other Verbs'. i.e. these 'rules': 1. When predicting, 'will' expresses our opinions
- I think Paolo will pass his exam.
2. We use 'will' to react to events happening in the present and when making spontaneous decisionsWILL BE is a Statement of Fact e.g.
- I will be 35 next year. [FACT]
- The 25th of December 2027, i.e. Christmas Day 2027, will be a Saturday. [FACT]
[trust me, I checked - Module Author :) ]So, to give your opinion, not a statement of fact, using 'WILL BE', you must use one of the opinion phrases (still visible on screen under this window) e.g.
Talking about the future: Making Predictions
4 of the 6 Sentences included Incorrect or Unnatural Uses of 'WILL' & 'GOING TO' !!
- When talking about the future we are either
1) Talking about something that is Scheduled to happen 2) Talking about Reactions, Personal Plans & Mutual Arrangements 3) Making Predictions, i.e. talking about future things which are not under our own control/decision making power1) See the SURFACE Module "Present Simple Futures" for details of this use
2) See the SURFACE Module "3 Futures - Will, Going To & Present Continuous" for details of these uses
A Quick Challenge:
Which of the sentences below do you think are correct? Click on your choice between "I think it's correct" & "I think it's incorrect"
'WILL' is NOT correct in 1 !! 'Look out! That seat's going to break' is correct
You said:
You said:
'Will' is NOT correct in 4 !! Oh no! I'm going to be sick! is correct
I think it's correct
1. Look out! That seat will break!!
4. Oh no! I'll be sick!
I think it's correct
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
both 'Will' & 'Going to' are possible in 2 !! But there is a difference! With 'OPINIONS' WILL is usually used, not 'GOING TO'
Will' is NOT correct in 5 !! 'Look at those clouds, it's going to rain' is correct
I think it's correct
2. In my opinion, he's going to pass the exam
5. Look at those clouds, it will rain.
I think it's correct
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
'Will' IS correct in 6 !!
'Going to' is not correct in 3 !! I think aliens will visit me soon! is correct
I think it's correct
6. I think more people will use electric cars soon.
I think it's correct
3. I think aliens are going to visit me soon!
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
Click to Show / Hide The Correct Sentences
You are going to find out why they are 'incorrect' in this module!
GONNA
When mother tongue speakers speak at normal speed, they don't usually pronounce 'GOING TO' with its standard dictionary pronunciation, i.e. ɡoʊɪŋ tu They use the rapid native speech (RNS) pronunciation, written 'GONNA' and pronounced 'ɡənə' This pronunciation uses a short, weak vowel sound, called 'SCHWA' [ ə ], twice! schwa = The second SCHWA in GONNA, i.e. ɡənə, represents the word 'to', so never say, 'It's gonna to rain'
To Faint (v) To suddenly lose consciousness for a short period of time, usually because of a drop in blood flow to the brain. When someone faints, they fall down and become unconscious, but they usually wake up after a few seconds or minutes.
Talking about the future: Making Predictions
4 of the 6 Sentences included Incorrect or Unnatural Uses of 'WILL' & 'GOING TO' !!
- When talking about the future we are either
1) Talking about something that is Scheduled to happen 2) Talking about Reactions, Personal Plans & Mutual Arrangements 3) Making Predictions, i.e. talking about future things which are not under our own control/decision making power1) See the SURFACE Module "Present Simple Futures" for details of this use
2) See the SURFACE Module "3 Futures - Will, Going To & Present Continuous" for details of these uses
A Quick Challenge:
Which of the sentences below do you think are correct? Click on your choice between "I think it's correct" & "I think it's incorrect"
'WILL' is NOT correct in 1 !! 'Look out! That seat's going to break' is correct
You said:
You said:
'Will' is NOT correct in 4 !! Oh no! I'm going to be sick! is correct
I think it's correct
1. Look out! That seat will break!!
4. Oh no! I'll be sick!
I think it's correct
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
both 'Will' & 'Going to' are possible in 2 !! But there is a difference! With 'OPINIONS' WILL is usually used, not 'GOING TO'
Will' is NOT correct in 5 !! 'Look at those clouds, it's going to rain' is correct
I think it's correct
2. In my opinion, he's going to pass the exam
5. Look at those clouds, it will rain.
I think it's correct
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
'Will' IS correct in 6 !!
'Going to' is not correct in 3 !! I think aliens will visit me soon! is correct
I think it's correct
6. I think more people will use electric cars soon.
I think it's correct
3. I think aliens are going to visit me soon!
I think it's incorrect
I think it's incorrect
Click to Show / Hide The Correct Sentences
You are going to find out why they are 'incorrect' in this module!
REVIEW:
Which of the following predictions use WILL & GOING TO CORRECTLY? - Click or for each phrase below:
1. Look out! That seat will break!!
4. Oh no! I'll be sick!
Sorry! You were wrong Look out! That seat's going to break!!
Sorry! You were wrong The use of Will is NOT correct here Oh no! I'm going to be sick! is correct
Well done! You were correct The use of Will is NOT correct here 'Look out! That seat's going to break' is correct
Well done! You were correct The use of Will is NOT correct here Oh no! I'm going to be sick! is correct
2. In my opinion, he's going to pass the exam
5. Look at those clouds, it will rain.
Sorry! You were wrong The use of Will is NOT correct here 'Look at those clouds, it's going to rain' is correct
Well done! You were correct The use of Will is NOT correct here 'Look at those clouds, it's going to rain' is correct
Well, both 'Will' & 'Going to' are possible But there is a difference! With 'OPINIONS' WILL is usually used, not 'GOING TO'
3. I think aliens are going to visit me soon!
6. I think more people will use electric cars soon.
Well done! You were correct The use of Going to is wrong here. I think aliens will visit me soon! is correct
Sorry! You were wrong The use of Going to is NOT correct here I think aliens will visit me soon! is correct
Well done! You were correct The use of Will IS correct here
Sorry! You were wrong The use of Will IS correct here
I'm sure you now understand why the 'challenge' phrases use 'Will', which use 'Going to' and which phrases could use both, depending on the context.
MAY/MIGHT/COULD & SHOULD HAVE OTHER USES You can refer to the relevant SURFACE Modules on these Modals for more detail
A4 CREATIONS © 2024 by JONATHAN BOYDELL is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Module worksheets from sections 1 - 3.
Section 1: WILLDOWNLOAD
Section 2: GOING TODOWNLOAD
Section 3: PROBABILITYDOWNLOAD
All worksheets are covered by the following copyright class:A4 CREATIONS © 2024 are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International They may be freely downloaded and used, but not altered.
When we are telling other people about things we have heard or read, we normally use
- I read that XX is going to happen
This makes it very clear that we are not giving our own personal opinion - we are citing something To Cite = means to mention or refer to someone else's words, ideas, or information to show where you got them from.A Natural Progression of CAUSE & EFFECT
When one thing PREDICTABLY leads to another thing it's a natural progession e.g.
If you run a marathon today, your legs are going to feel tired tomorrow. It's natural
I love working online, but waiting for students to connect, less so!!
The suffix -ish when added to words has one of these meanings: 1. Is 'a little XX, but not very XX' (XX stands for the word the suffix is added to) e.g.
- The background color of this window is greenish (i.e. it is a little green, but not very green)
- His work is goodish (quite good, but not very good)
- I'm hungry-ish* (a bit hungry, but not very) *you can say hungry-ish, but the more standard word with the same meaning is peckish
- He's tallish (quite tall, but not very tall)
2. Around/Approximately e.g.- See you at sixish (around six o'clock, not exactly six o'clock)
- There were a hundredish people at the party (approximately one hundred)
In informal English use, we often use -ish alone as an answer to someone's question. Jack: Are you tired? Bob: ish! Bob communicated that he is only a bit tired. ISH is also found in many standard words. It is not a suffix in these words, it is part of the word itself:Sensory Expressions often used with 'Going To' 1) Visual - Verbs: See - Look - Watch - Look like
- Look out (also Watch out/Be careful), that chair is going to break.
- You look like you are going to faint! (said when someone suddenly loses all colour in their face)
2) Auditory - Verb: Sound like- Did you hear that thunder, it sounds like it's going to rain
3) Kinesthetic - Verb: Feel - Feel likeNow do the practice exercises on the Aim4 site
Come back soon to review & consolidate.
**Remember, the source of our predictions can be things that other people have told us, or what we have heard other people say.
e.g.
When you say "I think I will vomit" you are making a SPONTANEOUS DECISION! That's a voluntary action, something you want to do! Apart from predictions, 'Will' also expresses Reactions/Spontaneous Decisions and Voluntary actions You can find out more about this in the SURFACE Module "3 Futures"