Levels of Certainty
(50 - 90 - 100%)
Will or Be Going To?
Can you...?
Prediction, Prior Decision, or Sudden Decision
Time Clauses with Future
100

It is probably going to rain tonight.

90%

100

I __________________ to get a Sexagintuple Vanilla Bean Mocha Frappuccino at Starbucks after class. Do you want to come?

am going to (immediate future, definite plan)

100

Can you say this in the present progressive.

We are going to have ramen for dinner tonight.

Yes! It is a prior plan!

We are having ramen for dinner tonight.


100

There will be a lot of snow in January.

Prediction

100

Complete the following with a future independent clause:

Before I leave class, 

Example:

Before I leave class, I WILL ask the teacher some questions.

Before I level class, I AM GOING TO ask the teacher some questions.

200

After my last experience, I will never eat spicy peppers again.

100%

200

It may not be for 50 years; it may not be for 100 years. But eventually, humans _____ realize the truth - they cannot treat the environment so carelessly.

will (prediction; distant future)

200
Can you say this in the simple present?


The train will depart Boston at 6:00 pm and will arrive in Providence at 7:15 pm.

Yes! It is an event on a schedule!

The train departs Boston at 6:00 pm and arrives in Providence at 7:15 pm.

200

Hi Robin! Oh, you look exhausted! I'll get you a cup of tea.

Sudden Decision

200

Complete the time clause (must have a subject and verb!):


I will take a nap after...

Example

I will take a nap after I finish this reading assignment. (the time clause is in the simple present)


300

Marty is in the army and he may be sent to Germany next year.

50%

300

_______ you please come help me with this tricky grammar question? Thank you!

Will (request)

Also correct: Would

300

Can you say this in the present progressive?

According to scientists' predictions, sea levels will rise 20 centimeters in the next three decades.

No! It is a prediction!

300

We are going to vacation in Malta next year. I just booked our flights!

Prior Plan

300

Add a future independent clause:

As soon as I finish the ESL program,

Examples:

As soon as I finish the ESL program, I will jump for joy and celebrate with my friends.

As soon as I finish the ESL program, I will start my major.

400

Maybe I will stop by the grocery store if I have time.

50%

400

I _________ miss class tomorrow morning because I have a doctor's appointment at 10:00 am.

am going to (prior plan, near future)
400

Can I say this in the simple present?

Karen is studying abroad next year. She is going to Switzerland.

No! It is not a very specific time on a schedule.

400

The next American president won't be a woman. Unfortunately, I don't think enough voters approve of that idea.

Prediction

400

Add a future indepdent clause:

...until my English skills improve.

Example:

I will practice a lot until my English skills improve.

500

Unfortunately, you probably won't have time to visit any museums during the business trip.

90%

500

The students in this class may be ESL students now, but someday, they _____ be the top chefs, hospitality directors, entrepreneurs, and technology specialists in the world. So, watch out!

will (prediction, distant future)

500

Can you change this to "be going to"? If so, how will that sound?

My friends and I are going to the movies on Saturday.

Yes!

My friends and I are going to go to the movies on Saturday?

500

A: Oh, no! Kim is absent and our group presentation is next!

B: I'll present Kim's slides. 

Sudden Decision

500

Say a sentence that has:

1. a time clause

2. a future independent clause

When you ARRIVE, we WILL watch the movie together.

I AM GOING TO purchase a warm coat before the cold weather STARTS.

Time clause.....SIMPLE PRESENT

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE......future with WILL or BE GOING TO