We all make plans, imagine possibilities, and react to predictions—and in English, there’s more than one way to talk about the future. In this unit, you’ll learn to use three different future forms—going to, will, and present continuous—each with its specific use and nuance.
You’ll also discover time expressions for the future (like next week, in two days, soon), and how to make promises, decisions, and predictions. We’ll cover how to distinguish between scheduled events and spontaneous intentions, and help you choose the right future form for each situation. Whether you’re making travel plans or talking about your goals, this unit equips you with the grammar and vocabulary to speak about the future naturally and precisely.

12.1 FUTURE WITH “GOING TO”: PLANS AND INTENTIONS
Objective:
To use “going to” for expressing future plans, intentions, and predictions based on present evidence.

🔹 STRUCTURE: “BE GOING TO” + BASE VERB
Subject    Form of “be” + going to + verb    Example
I    am going to    I’m going to travel next summer.
You / We / They    are going to    They’re going to study medicine.
He / She / It    is going to    She’s going to buy a new phone.
✅ Use contractions in natural speech: I’m, you’re, he’s

🔸 USING “GOING TO” FOR FUTURE PLANS
Situation Type    Example Sentence
Pre-decided plans    I’m going to meet Laura this evening.
Intention / decision    He’s going to start a diet next week.
Organized activities    We’re going to visit our grandparents on Sunday.
✅ The decision is made before the moment of speaking.

🔹 PREDICTIONS WITH EVIDENCE
Situation    Example Sentence
Something is about to happen    Look at the clouds. It’s going to rain.
Based on what we see / know    He’s going to fall off the bike!
Logical future outcome    They’re going to be late again.
✅ “Going to” shows we see it coming or have some present clue.

🔸 TIME EXPRESSIONS FOR “GOING TO”
Expression    Use Example
tomorrow    I’m going to clean the house tomorrow.
next + day/week/month/year    She’s going to travel next month.
this + morning/afternoon/etc.    We’re going to play football this evening.
soon / later / in a few days    He’s going to call you in a few days.

🔹 NEGATIVE AND QUESTIONS
Negative Form:
Subject + be + not + going to + verb
I’m not going to eat dessert.
She isn’t going to join us.
They’re not going to win.
Yes/No Questions:
Be + subject + going to + verb?
Are you going to study tonight?
Is he going to buy it?
Are we going to be late?
Wh- Questions:
What are you going to do this weekend?
Where is she going to stay?
When are they going to leave?

🧠 COMMON SENTENCE PATTERNS
I’m going to + base verb + time/place
He’s going to + reason/result
Are you going to + activity?

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
I going to visit my aunt.    I’m going to visit my aunt.    Missing “am”
She go to study medicine.    She’s going to study medicine.    Wrong structure
We’re go to the beach.    We’re going to the beach.    Missing “going to”
Are you going to can do it?    Are you going to be able to do it?    “Can” doesn’t follow “going to”

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Emma: What are you going to do this weekend?
Jack: I’m going to visit my cousin in Valencia.
Emma: That sounds fun!
Jack: Yeah, we’re going to try some local food and maybe go hiking.
Emma: Are you going to stay there all weekend?
Jack: No, I’m going to come back on Sunday evening.

12.2 FUTURE WITH “WILL”: PREDICTIONS AND PROMISES
Objective:
To use “will” to talk about future predictions, spontaneous decisions, offers, and promises, with correct structure and common expressions.

🔹 STRUCTURE: “WILL” + BASE VERB
Subject    Example Sentence
I / You / We / They    I will call you later.
He / She / It    She will be here soon.
✅ “Will” is the same for all subjects.
✅ Common contraction: I’ll, you’ll, he’ll, we’ll, they’ll

🔸 USES OF “WILL”
Use Case    Example
Future prediction    It will rain tomorrow.
Spontaneous decision    I’ll help you with that.
Promise / intention    I’ll always love you.
Offer / suggestion    I’ll carry your bag.
Refusal (negative promise)    I won’t do that again.
✅ Use will for decisions made at the moment of speaking, or for general future certainty.

🔹 “WILL” VS. “GOING TO”
Going To    Will
Planned: I’m going to meet Ana.    Instant decision: I’ll call her now.
Evidence: It’s going to snow.    Prediction: It will be cold this weekend.
Pre-arranged: They’re going to travel.    Spontaneous: We’ll take a taxi.
✅ “Going to” = intentions or evidence-based
✅ “Will” = sudden decisions, beliefs, offers, promises

🔸 NEGATIVE AND QUESTION FORMS
Negative:
Subject + will not (won’t) + verb
I won’t forget your birthday.
They won’t be late.
She won’t tell anyone.
Questions:
Will + subject + base verb?
Will it rain tomorrow?
Will she come to the meeting?
Will you help me with this?

🔹 COMMON TIME EXPRESSIONS
Expression    Example
tomorrow    I’ll finish the report tomorrow.
next week / month / year    We’ll start the new course next month.
soon / later / in an hour    They’ll call you soon.
one day / someday    One day, you’ll understand.

🧠 TYPICAL SENTENCE PATTERNS
Subject + will + base verb + time
I’ll + verb (instant decision)
Will + subject + verb? (offer/promise/prediction)

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
She will goes with us.    She will go with us.    Use base verb after “will”
I not will do it.    I won’t do it.    Wrong word order and contraction
Will arrives soon?    Will he arrive soon?    Subject must follow “will”
They’ll to call you.    They’ll call you.    No “to” after “will”

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Lena: I’m not sure what to do.
Tom: Don’t worry—I’ll help you figure it out.
Lena: Thanks! Do you think it will rain today?
Tom: No, I think it’ll be sunny all afternoon.
Lena: Great. I’ll go for a walk after lunch.
Tom: I’ll come with you!

12.3 PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR ARRANGED FUTURE EVENTS
Objective:
To use the present continuous tense to talk about future arrangements that are already planned or confirmed, especially with a clear time reference.

🔹 STRUCTURE: “BE” + VERB-ING + FUTURE TIME REFERENCE
Subject    Example Sentence
I    I’m meeting Sara tomorrow afternoon.
You    You’re flying to London next week.
He / She    She’s having dinner with her parents tonight.
We / They    We’re seeing a movie on Saturday.
✅ Use present continuous when the future plan is already scheduled or agreed upon.

🔸 TYPICAL CONTEXTS FOR PRESENT CONTINUOUS (FUTURE MEANING)
Situation    Example
Social plans    I’m meeting friends for lunch on Friday.
Appointments    He’s seeing the doctor at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
Travel arrangements    We’re leaving early on Monday.
Work-related events    She’s giving a presentation next week.
✅ Use when the event is on your calendar or booked.

🔹 TIME EXPRESSIONS USED
Expression Type    Examples
Today / Tonight    I’m working late tonight.
Tomorrow    They’re arriving tomorrow morning.
This + day/time    She’s having an interview this afternoon.
Specific dates/times    We’re flying to Paris on the 18th.
Next + time word    I’m meeting my tutor next Tuesday.

🔸 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRESENT CONTINUOUS VS. “GOING TO”
Present Continuous (arranged)    “Going To” (planned/intended)
I’m meeting my boss at 3.    I’m going to talk to my boss later.
We’re flying at noon.    We’re going to book the flight soon.
More fixed and official    More flexible or not finalized yet

🔹 NEGATIVE AND INTERROGATIVE FORMS
Negative:
Subject + be + not + verb-ing
I’m not going out tonight.
She isn’t coming to class tomorrow.
They’re not meeting with the client this week.
Questions:
Be + subject + verb-ing + future time?
Are you meeting anyone this weekend?
Is he coming to the conference?
What time are we leaving tomorrow?

🧠 KEY SENTENCE PATTERNS
I’m [verb-ing] + [future time expression]
Are you [verb-ing] + time?
He isn’t [verb-ing] tomorrow.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
I meet my friend tonight.    I’m meeting my friend tonight.    Use present continuous
We going to the airport at 7.    We’re going to the airport at 7.    Missing “are”
Is she go to the dentist?    Is she going to the dentist?    Wrong verb form
They not coming.    They’re not coming.    Use contraction or full form with “be”

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Olivia: Are you doing anything tonight?
Marco: Yeah, I’m having dinner with my cousin.
Olivia: Nice. I’m meeting some friends at 8.
Marco: Where are you going?
Olivia: We’re going to that new place near the river.
Marco: Sounds fun. I’m not going out after dinner—I have to work early.

12.4 TIME EXPRESSIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Objective:
To use common time expressions that indicate the future, and to apply them correctly with will, going to, and the present continuous for future meaning.

🔹 BASIC FUTURE TIME EXPRESSIONS
Time Expression    Use Example
tomorrow    I’m going to visit my grandparents tomorrow.
tonight    She’s working late tonight.
next week / month / year    They will move to Madrid next year.
this evening / afternoon    We’re having dinner with them this evening.
in + [time period]    The bus will arrive in 10 minutes.
later / soon / shortly    He’ll call you later. / I’m leaving soon.
on + [day/date]    I’m flying on Friday. / She’s coming on March 12th.
at + [time]    The train is leaving at 6 p.m.

🔸 LONGER EXPRESSIONS AND PHRASES
Expression    Use Example
the day after tomorrow    I have a meeting the day after tomorrow.
the week after next    They’re going on holiday the week after next.
in a few days / weeks / months    We’ll make a decision in a few days.
as soon as…    I’ll call you as soon as I arrive.
by [time/date]    The report will be ready by Monday.
until / till    He’s staying in London until Friday.
✅ “By” = before or at a certain time
✅ “Until” = up to a point in time

🔹 MATCHING TIME EXPRESSIONS WITH FUTURE FORMS
Time Expression    Common Future Forms    Example
tomorrow    going to / will / present continuous    I’m visiting my aunt tomorrow.
next week    all future forms    They’re flying to Berlin next week.
in + time period    mostly “will”    He’ll be back in two hours.
at 9 p.m.    present continuous / “will”    The movie starts at 9 p.m.
on + day    going to / present continuous    We’re meeting on Monday.

🧠 WORD ORDER TIPS
•    Place time expressions at the end or beginning of the sentence:
I’m going to call her tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I’m going to call her.
In questions:
Are you coming to the meeting next Friday?
Will you be home tonight?

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
I will call you in Monday.    I will call you on Monday.    “On” for days, not “in”
We’re meeting in 8 p.m.    We’re meeting at 8 p.m.    “At” for specific clock times
She’s leaving the next week.    She’s leaving next week.    No article “the” with “next”
He comes tomorrow.    He’s coming tomorrow. or He will come tomorrow.    Present simple not used for future without context

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Nina: Are you free this evening?
Tom: Not really—I’m working late tonight.
Nina: What about tomorrow?
Tom: Tomorrow’s good. I’ll call you around 6.
Nina: Great. We’re going to the cinema at 7.
Tom: Perfect. I’ll meet you there.

12.5 MAKING OFFERS AND DECISIONS ON THE SPOT
Objective:
To use “will” correctly for making spontaneous decisions, offers, and promises at the moment of speaking, in informal and formal situations.

🔹 SPONTANEOUS DECISIONS
Use “will” when you decide to do something as you speak.
Situation    Example Sentence
In conversation    I’m tired. → I’ll make some coffee.
Problem-solving    We don’t have milk. → I’ll go and buy some.
Unexpected need    The phone’s ringing. → I’ll get it!
✅ No prior plan or intention—decision happens now.

🔸 MAKING OFFERS
Use “will” to politely offer help or support.
Offer Situation    Example Expression
Volunteering help    I’ll carry that for you.
Offering a favor    I’ll send you the file now.
Responding to a need    Don’t worry—I’ll explain everything.
✅ Often used in polite speech and friendly conversations.

🔹 MAKING PROMISES
Use “will” to give assurance or commitment.
Promise Statement    Example
Commitment    I’ll be there on time, I promise.
Reassurance    I won’t forget, I promise.
Supportive tone    I’ll help you every step of the way.
✅ Can be strengthened with “I promise” or “for sure”

🔸 NEGATIVE FORM: “WON’T”
Use won’t (will not) for negative offers or promises.
Expression Type    Example
Promise not to do something    I won’t tell anyone, I promise.
Refusal (emotional or firm)    He won’t talk to me.
Reassurance    Don’t worry—we won’t be late.

🔹 COMMON SENTENCE PATTERNS
I’ll + verb → I’ll help you.
I won’t + verb → I won’t be long.
Will + subject + verb? → Will you help me?
Don’t worry, I’ll…
Let me… I’ll…
It’s okay, I’ll take care of it.

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
I go with you.    I’ll go with you.    Use “will” for spontaneous offer
Don’t worry, I help you.    Don’t worry, I’ll help you.    Needs auxiliary “will”
I will to do it now.    I’ll do it now.    No “to” after “will”
I promise I not forget.    I promise I won’t forget.    Negative future = “won’t”

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Marta: I can’t carry all these bags.
Leo: I’ll help you. Give me two of them.
Marta: Thanks!
Leo: Don’t mention it. I’ll also drive you home if you want.
Marta: That would be great.
Leo: I promise I won’t let you carry heavy things again.

12.6 FUTURE VS. PRESENT SIMPLE (FOR SCHEDULES AND TIMETABLES)
Objective:
To distinguish between present simple and future forms when talking about scheduled events, such as transport, public programs, or planned timetables.

🔹 PRESENT SIMPLE FOR FUTURE SCHEDULES
Use the present simple tense for fixed timetables and routines (e.g. transport, events, class schedules).
Example Sentence    Explanation
The train leaves at 8:45.    Timetable = present simple
The movie starts at 9 p.m.    Scheduled event
My flight departs tomorrow morning.    Programmed transport
School finishes next Friday.    Fixed plan by authority
✅ This is a grammatical exception: present tense with future time.

🔸 WHEN TO USE “WILL” OR “GOING TO”
Situation Type    Future Form    Example
Personal decision    will    I’ll call you after the meeting.
Pre-planned personal action    going to    I’m going to study abroad next year.
Public schedules    present simple    The bus arrives at 6:15.

🔹 TIME EXPRESSIONS USED WITH PRESENT SIMPLE (FUTURE MEANING)
Expression Type    Example Use
Named times    at 10 a.m., at 5:30 p.m.
Days / dates    on Monday, on July 3rd
Sequence terms    after class, when the bell rings
✅ These expressions clarify that the action refers to the future, not a habit.

🔸 COMPARING TENSES
Present Simple    Future Form (will / going to / cont.)
The train leaves at 7:00.    Public timetable
I’m meeting Anna at 7:00.    Personal arrangement
She’s going to travel in July.    Intention or plan
We’ll get there by 8.    Decision made now or general prediction

🧠 TYPICAL SENTENCE PATTERNS
The show begins at…
The bank opens at…
The exam starts on Monday.
Your appointment is at 3 p.m.
✅ Often used with transport, meetings, event listings

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
The train will leave at 9.    The train leaves at 9.    Use present simple for timetables
My class is starting at 10.    My class starts at 10.    Use present simple, not continuous
The film will starts at 8.    The film starts at 8.    Wrong auxiliary + tense
She going to come on Tuesday.    She’s going to come on Tuesday.    Missing auxiliary “is”

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Rachel: What time does the flight leave?
Sam: It leaves at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Rachel: And when does the gate close?
Sam: At 6:00. We should be there early.
Rachel: OK. I’ll set an alarm for 4:30.
Sam: Good idea. I’m going to pack tonight.

12.7 TALKING ABOUT PERSONAL AND WORK GOALS
Objective:
To express future goals using “going to”, “will”, and other future structures, and to talk about career, personal development, and life plans clearly and confidently.

🔹 EXPRESSING FUTURE GOALS
Expression    Example
I’m going to…    I’m going to start a business.
I plan to…    I plan to learn French next year.
I’d like to…    I’d like to work abroad.
I hope to…    I hope to get a promotion.
I want to…    I want to improve my English.
My goal is to…    My goal is to finish my degree this year.
✅ Use infinitive with “to” after verbs like want, hope, plan, would like.

🔸 CAREER-RELATED GOALS
Goal Type    Examples
Studies    I’m going to apply for a Master’s degree.
Professional growth    I want to get more experience in marketing.
Position or promotion    I hope to become a team leader.
Work abroad    I’d like to work in Canada next year.

🔹 PERSONAL GOALS
Goal Area    Examples
Health & fitness    I’m going to start exercising regularly.
Travel    I’d like to visit Japan one day.
Learning    I plan to learn to play the guitar.
Financial    My goal is to save more money this year.
✅ Goals can be short-term (this week/month/year) or long-term (in 5 years, in the future).

🔸 TALKING ABOUT TIMING
Time Reference    Example
this year / this month    I’m going to read 10 books this year.
by the end of…    I want to finish my thesis by the end of May.
in + [period]    I hope to speak English fluently in two years.
someday / one day    I’d like to write a book someday.

🧠 COMMON PATTERNS
I’m going to + verb
I plan/hope/want to + verb
My goal is to + verb
One day, I’d like to + verb

❗ COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake    Correction    Why?
I will to travel next year.    I will travel next year.    No “to” after “will”
I want study English.    I want to study English.    Infinitive with “to” is needed
I’m going work in tourism.    I’m going to work in tourism.    Full “going to” structure
My goal is finish my course.    My goal is to finish my course.    Infinitive after “is”

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Luca: Do you have any goals for this year?
Ana: Yes! I’m going to take a certification exam in English.
Luca: That’s great. I’d like to start a new job this summer.
Ana: Nice! I also hope to travel more—maybe Spain or Italy.
Luca: My goal is to save enough money to visit Japan next year.
Ana: That sounds amazing. Let’s help each other stay motivated!

12.8 COMMON MISTAKES IN FUTURE TENSES
Objective:
To recognize and correct common errors in the use of future tenses—including “will”, “going to”, and present continuous for future meaning—especially in structure, word choice, and usage.

🔹 MISTAKE 1: CONFUSING “WILL” AND “GOING TO”
Incorrect    Correct    Why?
I’m going to help you right now.    I’ll help you right now.    Use “will” for spontaneous actions
She will visit the dentist next Monday.    She’s visiting the dentist next Monday.    Use present continuous for appointments
We go to the beach tomorrow.    We’re going to the beach tomorrow.    Needs future form
✅ Use “will” for sudden decisions, “going to” for intentions, and present continuous for scheduled events.

🔸 MISTAKE 2: USING “TO” AFTER “WILL”
Incorrect    Correct    Why?
I will to call you later.    I will call you later.    No “to” after “will”
They won’t to come today.    They won’t come today.    Same rule: no “to”
✅ The verb that follows “will” or “won’t” is always in base form, without “to”.

🔹 MISTAKE 3: FORGETTING “BE” IN “GOING TO”
Incorrect    Correct    Why?
I going to study medicine.    I’m going to study medicine.    Missing auxiliary “am”
She going to travel soon.    She’s going to travel soon.    Use “is going to”
They going to call you.    They’re going to call you.    Need full verb “be”
✅ “Going to” must always be used with the correct form of “be”.

🔸 MISTAKE 4: USING PRESENT SIMPLE INSTEAD OF FUTURE
Incorrect    Correct    Why?
Tomorrow I meet the director.    Tomorrow I’m meeting the director.    Use present continuous for arrangements
Next week she travel to Peru.    Next week she’s travelling to Peru.    Needs future tense
✅ Present simple is only used for schedules and timetables, not personal plans.

🔹 MISTAKE 5: WORD ORDER IN QUESTIONS
Incorrect    Correct
Will goes she to the party?    Will she go to the party?
Are going you to study?    Are you going to study?
Is meet he you tomorrow?    Is he meeting you tomorrow?
✅ Questions always start with will/are/is, then the subject, then the verb.

🔸 MISTAKE 6: DOUBLE FUTURE
Incorrect    Correct
When she will arrive, I will call you.    When she arrives, I’ll call you.
If it will rain, we’ll cancel.    If it rains, we’ll cancel.
✅ In time clauses (after when, if, before, after, as soon as), use present simple, not future.

🧠 QUICK CORRECTIONS SUMMARY
Wrong    Right
I will to go    I will go
He going to travel    He’s going to travel
Are you go to work?    Are you going to work?
She will goes    She will go
When I will see you, I’ll tell you.    When I see you, I’ll tell you.

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Lia: Are you going to watch the game tonight?
Marc: Yes! But I made a mistake earlier—I said “I will to watch it.”
Lia: Oh, I see. It should be “I will watch it.”
Marc: Right. And I also said “He going to play,” but forgot the “is.”
Lia: Don’t worry. You’re learning! Just remember: He is going to play.
Marc: Thanks. I’ll get better with practice!

12.9 UNIT 12 REVIEW
Objective:
To review all grammar, vocabulary, and functional language related to talking about the future, using will, going to, present continuous, and present simple in appropriate contexts.

📘 WHAT YOU LEARNED IN THIS UNIT
🔹 EXPRESSING FUTURE PLANS AND INTENTIONS
I’m going to start a new course in September.
We’re going to visit Italy next summer.
•    Use “going to” for planned or intended actions.

🔹 MAKING PREDICTIONS AND PROMISES WITH “WILL”
It will be sunny tomorrow.
Don’t worry—I’ll help you with that.
•    Use “will” for decisions made now, promises, predictions, and offers.

🔹 TALKING ABOUT FIXED FUTURE EVENTS
I’m meeting my boss at 10 a.m. (present continuous)
The train leaves at 6:45. (present simple)
Use present continuous for personal arrangements, present simple for schedules.

🔹 USING TIME EXPRESSIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Tomorrow, next week, this Friday, in two days, at 8 p.m., by next month
Time phrases define when future actions happen and help choose the right tense.

🔹 MAKING OFFERS, DECISIONS, AND ARRANGEMENTS
I’ll carry that for you. (offer)
We’ll call you later. (spontaneous decision)
I’m having dinner with friends tonight. (pre-arranged plan)

🔹 TALKING ABOUT GOALS
I want to improve my English.
I hope to start a new job next year.
My goal is to become fluent.
•    Use to + base verb after verbs like want, plan, hope, would like.

🔹 COMMON MISTAKES WITH FUTURE TENSES
•    ✘ I will to go → ✔ I will go
•    ✘ She going to travel → ✔ She’s going to travel
•    ✘ When she will arrive → ✔ When she arrives

🔹 LISTENING AND ROLEPLAY PRACTICE
Listening for: plans, offers, spontaneous decisions, predictions, questions
Practicing real-life dialogues: appointments, weekend plans, travel, goals

💬 EXAMPLE DIALOG
Nina: What are you doing this weekend?
Josh: I’m going to visit my grandparents.
Nina: That’s lovely. I think I’ll go hiking if the weather is nice.
Josh: Sounds good. I hope it won’t rain!
Nina: Same! I’ll check the forecast later.