In spoken English, "going to" is the form used most often to talk about the future.
=> Use "going to" to talk about something planned for the future: ▶ I'm going to buy a new car this year. ▶ Is your daughter going to attend Dartmouth or Columbia? ▶ What are you going to do on New Year's Eve?
=> Use "going to" to make a prediction based on evidence you have now: ▶ Be careful. You're going to spill your drink! ▶ This plan is too complicated. It's not going to work.
"Will" is also often used to speak about the future. Use will (or 'II) in these situations:
=> To talk about a decision made at the moment of speaking. Once you've made the decision, use "going to" to talk about it: ▶ I'll make the dinner reservations for Saturday night. Bob, please let Sara know that I'm going to make the dinner reservations. ▶ Mom: "If you don't go to bed right now, I'm not taking you to the zoo tomorrow morning!" Zach: "I'll go to bed now! Dad, I'm going to go to bed now."
=> To talk about things we believe to be true about the future: ▶ I'm sure you'll like your new job. ▶ The dean will serve for five years. ▶ Our new toaster will arrive next Monday.
=> To make a promise or an agreement with someone: ▶ I'll call you when I get to Paris. ▶ I'll send you the check tomorrow.
Note: Do not use "will" or "going to" in future time clauses. SAY: As soon as you finish the report, call me and we'll review it. NOT: As soon as you will finish the report, call me and we'll review it.
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