By Mark Keller – MK’s English
When you want to talk about the future in English, you have several options—and each one is a little different. Should you say “I’ll call you” or “I’m going to call you”? What about “I’m meeting him tomorrow”?
Don’t worry—this post will make everything clear!
In this lesson, you’ll learn how and when to use:
- Will
- Going to
- Present Continuous for the future
- Might / May
Let’s dive in!
1. WILL – Decisions, Promises, and Predictions
We use “will” when:
- You make a decision at the moment
- You make a promise or offer
- You’re giving a prediction (based on your opinion or feeling)
🔹 Examples:
- “I forgot! I will call her now.” (instant decision)
- “Don’t worry, I will help you.” (promise)
- “I think it will be a great movie.” (opinion-based prediction)
Use “will” when you didn’t plan ahead, but you’re reacting or making a promise.
2. GOING TO – Plans and Evidence-Based Predictions
We use “going to” when:
- You’ve already planned or decided to do something
- You’re making a prediction based on evidence (you can see it or know it)
🔹 Examples:
- “I’m going to start a new hobby.” (a plan)
- “Watch out! That glass is going to fall!” (evidence)
If you’ve made a decision before now—or can see that something is likely to happen—use “going to.”
3. Present Continuous – Fixed Future Arrangements
Surprise! The present continuous tense can also talk about the future, especially when the event is arranged with someone else and already scheduled.
🔹 Examples:
- “I’m meeting my coworker at 3.”
- “She’s having dinner with her parents tonight.”
We usually use this with specific times and fixed plans.
4. Might / May – Possibilities
Use “might” or “may” to talk about things that could happen, but you’re not 100% sure.
🔹 Examples:
- “I might stay home tonight.”
- “He may travel to Hokkaido next month.”
Use these when there’s a chance, but no decision yet.
QUICK RECAP
| Grammar Form | Use When… | Example |
| Will | Instant decision, promise, opinion | I’ll help you. |
| Going to | Planned action or visible evidence | It’s going to rain. |
| Present Continuous | Scheduled or arranged future event | I’m meeting him at 2. |
| Might / May | Possibility | I might go out tonight. |
Practice Time!
Try answering these questions using the future forms you just learned:
- What are you going to do this weekend?
- What’s something you might do next month?
- Can you think of a promise you can make with will?
- What’s one thing you’ve already scheduled?
Write your answers in the comments—or say them out loud to practice.
Self-Study Task
Make three sentences about your future:
- One with will
- One with going to
- One with present continuous
Example:
- I will visit my grandparents next week.
- I’m going to start reading a new book.
- I’m meeting my friend on Saturday.
Try recording yourself and listening back. It’s a great way to check your grammar and pronunciation!
Want to Go Deeper?
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode for natural examples and extra tips:
👉 MK’s English Podcast: Talking About the Future
And don’t forget to check out more free lessons and resources at:
🌐 www.MKsEnglish.com