The Grammar Lab: Future Forms
Decision Timeline
Both describe the future, but the difference is when you made the decision.
🔹 Will: Decision made NOW (at the moment of speaking). (សម្រេចចិត្តភ្លាមៗ)
🔹 Going to: Decision made BEFORE (a plan). (មានគម្រោងទុកមុន)
🔹 Going to: Decision made BEFORE (a plan). (មានគម្រោងទុកមុន)
Rapid Decision
You react to a situation instantly. Offers, promises, or sudden choices.
| The phone is ringing. I will answer it. | ទទួលភ្លាម |
| It's hot. I'll open the window. | បើកភ្លាម |
| I will help you. | សន្យាជួយ |
The Plan
You thought about it before you spoke. It is an intention.
| I am going to buy a car next year. | មានគម្រោង |
| We are going to visit Paris. | បានរៀបចំទុក |
| She is going to be a doctor. | បំណងប្រាថ្នា |
Prediction: Belief
You think or guess something will happen, but you aren't sure.
| I think it will rain later. | ស្មានថាភ្លៀង |
| She will probably win. | ប្រហែលជា |
| People will live on Mars one day. | ការទស្សន៍ទាយ |
Prediction: Evidence
You can see it happening right now. It is certain.
| Look at those black clouds! It is going to rain. | ឃើញពពក |
| Watch out! You are going to fall! | ឃើញនឹងភ្នែក |
| He is running fast. He is going to win. | ឃើញច្បាស់ |
Plan or Instant?
Click to see the correct form based on context.
Oh no! I forgot my wallet.Context
I bought tickets.Context
The doorbell is ringing.Context
Look at that traffic!Context
Quick Check
1. "I'm thirsty." → "Wait, I _____ get you water."
2. Why did you buy that paint? → "I _____ paint my room."
3. Look at the score! 5-0! They _____ win.