Grammar: A2 - ⚙️ Verbs in Depth: ⏳ Past & Future Tenses (Basics) - Lesson 9: Future with "will" (Predictions, Spontaneous decisions, Offers - basic)

Grammar: Future Predictions

B1 Lesson 18: 'Will' vs. 'Be Going To'

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to choose the correct future form to make predictions based on either evidence ('be going to') or opinion ('will').

Two Ways to Predict the Future

In English, both will and be going to can be used for predictions, but they are used in different situations. The choice depends on why you are making the prediction.

🔮 Prediction based on Opinion/Belief

Use will for predictions based on your personal opinion, belief, or general knowledge. It's what you think will happen.

Example: I think Cambodia will win the match tonight. They are a good team.

👀 Prediction based on Evidence

Use be going to when you have present evidence—something you can see, hear, or feel—that makes you believe something is about to happen.

Example: Look at those dark clouds! It's going to rain soon.

The Grammar Rule 📖

Summary of Future Predictions

Type of Prediction	Grammar Form	Example
Based on opinion or belief	Subject + will + Verb	I think you'll like this movie.
Based on present evidence	Subject + be + going to + Verb	The driver is going too fast. He's going to crash!

In Conversation

Let's see how this works in a real situation.

Thida: Wow, look at the traffic! We're going to be late for the wedding. (Evidence: she can see the traffic jam)

Rith: Don't worry, I think it will clear up soon. The police are directing cars. (Opinion: he believes it will get better)

Thida: I'm not so sure. Look, that moto driver is trying to pass everyone. He's going to cause an accident! (Evidence: she sees the dangerous driving)

Practice Your Grammar 🎯

Exercise: Choose the Correct Future Form

Choose the best future form ('ll / will or 'm / is / are going to) for each situation.

1. My sister studied very hard. I know she _________ pass the exam.
   → is going to (Evidence: her studying)
2. In the year 2050, I believe people _________ travel to Mars.
   → will (Opinion/Belief about the distant future)
3. Be careful! You're holding too many books. You _________ drop them!
   → are going to (Evidence: you can see the situation)
4. A: What do you think about the new cafe? B: I think it _________ be very popular.
   → will (Opinion)

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Make Your Predictions

For each situation below, write two predictions: one based on your opinion (will) and one based on evidence (be going to).

Situation: The Cambodia National Football Team is playing a match tonight.

1. Your opinion: I think they...
2. Evidence you see (e.g., their best player is injured): Oh no, their best player isn't playing. They...

Key Vocabulary

• Prediction (Noun) | ការទស្សន៍ទាយ
  A statement about what you think will happen in the future.
• Evidence (Noun) | ភស្តុតាង
  The facts or signs that make you believe something is true.
• Opinion (Noun) | មតិ
  A personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty.