Question 1

How do I choose between will, going to, and present continuous?

Accepted Answer

Ask yourself three questions. First: "Am I deciding right now?" If yes, use "will" — "I'll have the pasta, please." Second: "Did I already plan this?" If yes, use "going to" — "I'm going to start running every morning." Third: "Is this a fixed arrangement with a time or place?" If yes, use present continuous — "I'm seeing the doctor at 4 pm." For predictions, ask: "Can I see evidence?" If yes, "going to" ("Look — she's going to drop it!"). If it is just your opinion, use "will" ("I think prices will go up"). In everyday speech, "going to" and present continuous often overlap, but these rules help in exams.

Question 2

What is the difference between planned and spontaneous future actions?

Accepted Answer

A planned action is something you decided before the conversation — you thought about it, maybe discussed it with others: "We're going to redecorate the flat" (decided earlier, using "going to"). A spontaneous action is something you decide at the moment of speaking — the idea comes to you right now: "The flat looks awful — I'll repaint the walls this weekend" (decided right now, using "will"). The tense you choose signals this difference to the listener. If you use "going to," the listener understands you had already been thinking about it. If you use "will," they know the thought just came to you. This distinction is important in B1 and B2 exams.

Question 3

When do I use present continuous instead of "going to" for the future?

Accepted Answer

Use present continuous when the plan is fully arranged and confirmed — usually with a fixed time, place, or another person involved: "I'm flying to Paris on Tuesday" (the flight is booked). Use "going to" when you have the intention but the details may not be confirmed: "I'm going to fly to Paris soon" (you intend to, but you have not booked yet). Another helpful test: if you could put the event in your diary with a specific time, present continuous is the better choice. If the plan is more of a general intention, use "going to." Both are correct in many situations, but exams reward precise choices.

Will vs Going to vs Present Continuous Exercises

Quick Rule

All 20 questions

Continue Practising

Present Continuous Dictation: Actions Now and Temporary Situations

Basic Form

Happening Now

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect