A2 · Future with Will — Lesson

When to use "will"

Use will + base verb for predictions, spontaneous decisions, promises, and offers.

Prediction

I think it will rain tomorrow.

Spontaneous decision

A: The phone is ringing. B: I 'll answer it.

Promise

Don't worry — I will help you.

Offer

I 'll carry that bag for you.

Refusal

She won't listen to me.

Form: will + base verb

"Will" is a modal — never takes -s, -ing, or "to"

subject + will + base verb → She will help. ✓

All subjects

I / you / he / she / we / they will (same form for everyone)

Contraction

I'll · you'll · he'll · she'll · we'll · they'll

Negative

will not = won't (irregular contraction)

Question

Will + subject + base verb? — Will you help me?

"Will" + bare infinitive ONLY. Never "will to do" or "will doing".

Will vs going to

The most common A2 confusion

going to — pre-decided

I'm going to visit my mum this weekend.

already arranged

It's going to rain — look at those clouds.

evidence visible

will — at the moment

A: We're out of milk. B: I'll buy some.

decided NOW

I think it will rain tomorrow.

opinion / prediction

Will for predictions

Often with "I think", "probably", "maybe"

I think + will

I think she will pass the exam.

I expect + will

I expect they will arrive late.

probably

It will probably snow tonight.

In 50 years

In 50 years, robots will do most jobs.

Word order: "probably" + will → "will probably" (positive). With "won't" → "probably won't".

Common mistakes

I will to call you tomorrow.

→

I will call you tomorrow.

will + bare infinitive (no "to")

She wills come later.

→

She will come later.

"will" never takes -s

I will going to the cinema tomorrow. (planned)

→

I am going to the cinema tomorrow.

planned → going to

Won't she comes?

→

Won't she come?

After won't / will → base verb

Recap

Form

will + base verb (no "to")

I will help. She'll come.

Negative

won't (irregular)

She won't listen.

Uses

prediction · spontaneous decision · promise · offer

I think it will rain.

vs going to

will = at the moment / going to = pre-decided

I'll get it. / I'm going to study.

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