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English · CEFR Band 1 (A1) · Chapter 38

I'll do it!

I'm going to get it or I'll get it?

  1. Emma Oh, the doorbell is ringing.
  2. Minsu I'm going to open it.
  3. Emma Since you're deciding right now, use "will": "I'll open it." "Be going to" is for plans you made before.
  4. Minsu I see. I'll open it! … Oh, it's the post. And look — it's going to rain, the sky is grey.
  5. Emma Perfect — "it's going to rain" is right there, because you can see the evidence in the sky.
  6. Minsu Then I'll take an umbrella. I won't get wet this time!

Holiday plans

  1. Jack What are you going to do on your holiday, Emma?
  2. Emma I'm going to fly to Italy. I've already booked the flight and packed my suitcase!
  3. Jack Nice! When do you arrive?
  4. Emma On Saturday morning. Oh — my phone's ringing. I'll call you back later, okay?
  5. Jack Sure. Have a great trip! I'm sure you'll love Italy.
汉字PinyinPOSMeaning
plan n. / v. plan
holiday n. holiday
decide v. decide
promise v. promise
maybe adv. maybe
probably adv. probably
suitcase n. suitcase
airport n. airport
arrive v. arrive
sure adj. sure

"will" vs "be going to" "will" vs "be going to"

Both "will" and "be going to" talk about the future, but they are used at different moments. Use "be going to" (chapter 30) for a plan you have already decided before speaking ("I'm going to visit my family next week", the ticket is booked) and for a prediction based on what you can see now ("Look at those clouds — it's going to rain"). Use "will" (I'll, you'll, won't) for a decision you make AT THE MOMENT of speaking ("The phone's ringing — I'll get it"), for an offer ("That bag looks heavy — I'll carry it"), and for a promise ("I'll pay you back tomorrow, I promise"). "Will" is also common for opinions and predictions with "I think / I'm sure": "I think it will be sunny", "She won't be late". The key contrast: a plan already made = going to; a decision made right now = will. Learners often use "be going to" for a spontaneous choice: "Someone's at the door — I'm going to open it" ✗ → "I'll open it" ✓.

Both "will" and "be going to" talk about the future, but they are used at different moments. Use "be going to" (chapter 30) for a plan you have already decided before speaking ("I'm going to visit my family next week", the ticket is booked) and for a prediction based on what you can see now ("Look at those clouds — it's going to rain"). Use "will" (I'll, you'll, won't) for a decision you make AT THE MOMENT of speaking ("The phone's ringing — I'll get it"), for an offer ("That bag looks heavy — I'll carry it"), and for a promise ("I'll pay you back tomorrow, I promise"). "Will" is also common for opinions and predictions with "I think / I'm sure": "I think it will be sunny", "She won't be late". The key contrast: a plan already made = going to; a decision made right now = will. Learners often use "be going to" for a spontaneous choice: "Someone's at the door — I'm going to open it" ✗ → "I'll open it" ✓.

  • The phone's ringing. — I'll get it! The phone's ringing. — I'll get it!
  • I'm going to visit my family next week. My ticket is already booked. I'm going to visit my family next week. My ticket is already booked.
  • That suitcase looks heavy. I'll carry it for you. That suitcase looks heavy. I'll carry it for you.
  • I think it will rain tomorrow, so maybe we won't go to the beach. I think it will rain tomorrow, so maybe we won't go to the beach.

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