WILL vs. GOING TO

Will
We use ‘will’ to make offers, promises and predictions. We often use it
after the verb ‘think’ to talk about the future. We also use ‘will’ when
we make decisions at the moment of speaking. In spoken English and in
informal written English we often use contractions (I’ll, he’ll, she’ll,
we’ll, etc.). The negative form is will not (won’t in spoken English).

Here are some examples:
We’ll help you carry those bags if you want.
I’ll be more careful next time, I promise! Do you think it’ll be busy in the pub tonight?
Oh dear! I’ve left my credit card at home. I’ll have to go back and get it.
I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to come to the party next week.

Be going to
We use ‘be going to’ to talk about plans, arrangements and decisions made
before the moment of speaking. We also use it to make predictions about
the future when we have some evidence.

Here are some examples:
Are you going to travel Spain again this year?
My wife and I are going to have another baby.
I’m late for work again! My boss isn’t going to be happy with me.
You’re driving too fast. Slow down, or we’re going to crash!

Glossary

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