future tense

Simple Future Tense

We often use “going to” and “will” interchangeably when we express future action. However, did you know that there’s actually a difference in the meaning of those two expressions?^^ What’s the difference? Let’s find out.

WILL is used for:
Stating promises (I will always be there for you.)
A voluntary action (I will drop by your place tomorrow.)

GOING TO is used for:In expressing plans (I am going to America next year.)

Both “will” and “going to” are used to express a prediction.The year 2008 will be a lucky year for people born in the year of the sheep.
The year 2008 is going to be a lucky year for people born in the year of the sheep.

How to make the simple future?FORM WILL=subject + will + verb
I will swim.

FORM BE GOING TO=am/is/are + going to + verb
I am going to marry you.

Note: You CAN’T use the simple future in clauses starting with when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, unless, if, etc.When you will get here, I will cook for you.---WRONG
When you get here, I will cook for you.---------CORRECT