Future with 'will': Spontaneous decisions and predictions
Use `will` for instant reactions and future guesses, but keep `going to` for your pre-made plans.
The Rule in 30 Seconds
- Use `will` for decisions made at the exact moment of speaking.
- Use `will` for predictions or guesses about what might happen later.
- Never use `to` after `will`; always use the base verb form.
- The negative form is `won't` and the short form is `'ll`.
Quick Reference
| Type | Structure | Example | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | Subject + will + verb | I'll help you. | Offering help suddenly |
| Negative | Subject + won't + verb | It won't rain. | A negative prediction |
| Question | Will + subject + verb? | Will you stay? | Asking for a decision |
| Prediction | I think + will | I think he'll win. | Giving an opinion |
| Spontaneous | I'll + verb | I'll have the tea. | Ordering at a cafe |
| Promise | Subject + will | I will call you. | Making a commitment |
Key Examples
3 of 8The phone is ringing. I'll answer it!
El teléfono está sonando. ¡Yo respondo!
I think it will be a sunny day tomorrow.
Creo que mañana será un día soleado.
That bag looks heavy. I'll carry it for you.
Esa bolsa parece pesada. Yo te la llevo.
The 'I Think' Buddy
If you aren't 100% sure about a prediction, start your sentence with 'I think...'. It makes you sound more natural.
No 'To' Allowed
Think of 'will' and 'to' as two magnets that push each other away. They never touch! It is 'I will go', never 'I will to go'.
The Rule in 30 Seconds
- Use `will` for decisions made at the exact moment of speaking.
- Use `will` for predictions or guesses about what might happen later.
- Never use `to` after `will`; always use the base verb form.
- The negative form is `won't` and the short form is `'ll`.
Overview
Welcome to the world of will! This little word is a powerhouse in English. You might think it is just for the future. But it is actually about the now. Specifically, it is about decisions you make right this second. It is also about what you think might happen later. Think of will as your "snap decision" tool. It is fast, easy, and very common in daily life. Whether you are ordering a pizza or predicting a sports score, will is your best friend. Don't worry about complex rules for now. We are going to keep this simple and fun. By the end of this, you will use will like a pro. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, so you are in good company!
How This Grammar Works
Grammar does not have to be a headache. Think of will like a grammar traffic light. When you see a situation that needs a quick reaction, the light turns green for will. It is a modal verb. This means it helps the main verb. The best part? It never changes. You do not need to add -s or -ed. It stays the same for I, you, he, she, and they. It is the ultimate "one size fits all" word. It sits right before the action verb. It tells the listener, "Hey, this is happening because of a choice I just made" or "This is my guess about the future."
Formation Pattern
- 1Creating a sentence with
willis as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these steps: - 2Start with your Subject (I, You, We, They, He, She, It).
- 3Add
will(or the short version'll). - 4Add the Base Verb (the simple form like
go,eat, orhelp). - 5For example:
I+will+call=I will call. - 6To make it negative, use
will notor the contractionwon't. - 7To ask a question, just flip the subject and
will. - 8Example:
Will you help me? - 9It is like building with Lego blocks. Everything fits together perfectly every time. Just remember: never use
toafterwill.I will to gois a big no-no. Keep it clean and simple.
When To Use It
There are two main times to use will at the A2 level.
1. Spontaneous Decisions
This is the "Snap!" moment. You did not plan this. You are reacting to something right now.
- Scenario: Ordering Food. You are at a restaurant. The waiter asks what you want. You look at the menu and say, "I'll have the burger, please."
- Scenario: Helping Someone. Your friend is carrying heavy boxes. You say, "I'll help you with those!"
- Scenario: The Phone. The phone rings suddenly. You say, "I'll get it!"
2. Predictions
This is when you guess the future. You do not have a 100% plan, but you have an opinion.
- Scenario: The Weather. You look at the sky. "I think it will rain later."
- Scenario: Sports. "My team will win the game tonight!"
- Scenario: Life. "You will be a great doctor one day."
When Not To Use It
Do not use will for things you have already planned. If you have a ticket in your hand, will is not the right choice.
- The Calendar Rule: If it is written in your diary, use
going toor the Present Continuous. - Example: "I am going to visit my grandma on Saturday." (Because you already called her).
- Example: "I am flying to Paris tomorrow." (Because you have the plane ticket).
Using will for a plan makes you sound a bit like a robot or a fortune teller. It feels too sudden for something you thought about yesterday.
Common Mistakes
Even the best learners trip over these small stones.
- The "To" Trap: People often say
I will to go. Remember,willhates the wordto. Just sayI will go. - The "He/She" Trap: Do not say
He wills. It is alwaysHe will. The verb does not change for the third person. - The "Plan" Trap: Using
willfor your summer vacation you booked months ago. Usegoing toinstead. - The "Won't" Spelling: Sometimes people write
willn't. That is not a word! The short form ofwill notis alwayswon't. It looks weird, but it is correct. Think of it as a special grammar gift.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
The biggest fight in English grammar is will vs. be going to.
Willis the Flash: It is fast. It is for decisions made now.Be going tois the Architect: It is for things you planned before.
Imagine you see a chocolate bar. You say, "I'll buy that!" (Spontaneous).
Now imagine you are at home and decide to buy chocolate later. You tell your friend, "I am going to buy some chocolate." (Planned).
See the difference? One is a reaction; the other is a mission.
Quick FAQ
Q. Can I use will for every future sentence?
A. You can, and people will understand you, but you might sound a bit impulsive!
Q. Is 'll only for speaking?
A. It is very common in speaking and casual writing. In a formal job letter, use will.
Q. Does will mean I am 100% sure?
A. Not always. We often use it with "I think" to show it is just a guess.
Q. Can I use will to make a promise?
A. Yes! "I will always love you" is a classic example. Just don't say it on the first date!
Reference Table
| Type | Structure | Example | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | Subject + will + verb | I'll help you. | Offering help suddenly |
| Negative | Subject + won't + verb | It won't rain. | A negative prediction |
| Question | Will + subject + verb? | Will you stay? | Asking for a decision |
| Prediction | I think + will | I think he'll win. | Giving an opinion |
| Spontaneous | I'll + verb | I'll have the tea. | Ordering at a cafe |
| Promise | Subject + will | I will call you. | Making a commitment |
The 'I Think' Buddy
If you aren't 100% sure about a prediction, start your sentence with 'I think...'. It makes you sound more natural.
No 'To' Allowed
Think of 'will' and 'to' as two magnets that push each other away. They never touch! It is 'I will go', never 'I will to go'.
The Contraction King
In spoken English, use 'I'll' or 'You'll' 90% of the time. Using 'I will' sounds very serious, like you are making a legal oath.
Polite Offers
Using 'I'll' to help someone is a great way to be polite. 'I'll open the door for you' is a very kind thing to say.
예시
8The phone is ringing. I'll answer it!
Focus: I'll answer
El teléfono está sonando. ¡Yo respondo!
A classic spontaneous decision.
I think it will be a sunny day tomorrow.
Focus: will be
Creo que mañana será un día soleado.
A guess based on opinion.
That bag looks heavy. I'll carry it for you.
Focus: I'll carry
Esa bolsa parece pesada. Yo te la llevo.
Using will to make an immediate offer.
The company will provide all necessary equipment.
Focus: will provide
La empresa proporcionará todo el equipo necesario.
Using the full 'will' for a formal promise.
✗ I will to call you later. → ✓ I will call you later.
Focus: will call
Te llamaré más tarde.
Never put 'to' between will and the verb.
✗ She wills arrive at 5. → ✓ She will arrive at 5.
Focus: will arrive
Ella llegará a las 5.
Will never takes an 's', even for he/she/it.
Don't worry, they'll be here soon.
Focus: they'll be
No te preocupes, estarán aquí pronto.
They'll is the common short form of they will.
Artificial intelligence will change how we work.
Focus: will change
La inteligencia artificial cambiará cómo trabajamos.
A long-term prediction about society.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to complete the spontaneous decision.
Wait! You forgot your keys. I ___ them to you.
We use 'will' + base verb for a quick reaction. 'Will to bring' is grammatically incorrect.
Complete the prediction about the future.
I'm not sure, but I think robots ___ our houses in 2050.
For a guess or prediction about the distant future, 'will' is the best choice.
Choose the correct negative form.
I'm busy now, so I ___ have time for a coffee.
The contraction of 'will not' is 'won't'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Will vs. Going To
Should I use Will?
Is this a plan you made yesterday?
Is it a snap decision or a guess?
Use 'Will'!
Use 'Going to'!
Will in Real Life
At a Cafe
- • I'll have a latte
- • I'll pay by card
Weather
- • It'll be cold
- • It won't snow
Frequently Asked Questions
22 questionsOnly if you just decided this second! If you already booked it, use I'm going to or I'm going.
No, it stays exactly the same. You say he will and she will, never he wills.
They mean the same thing. Won't is just the short version we use when speaking or writing to friends.
Sort of, but shall is very old-fashioned and formal. Stick with will for everyday English.
It sounds exactly like the word aisle (in a supermarket) or the word isle (an island).
Yes! Will you help me? is a very common way to ask someone to do something for you.
Use will! For example, I will always be your friend is a strong promise.
Yes, it's very common. You can say It will probably rain to show you aren't totally sure.
Absolutely. It's the most common way to give a weather forecast, like It will be hot tomorrow.
No, you cannot use two modal verbs together. Instead, say I will be able to.
Yes, usually to talk about what you can offer the company, like I will work hard.
Just put will at the start. For example: Will they arrive on time?.
Because you are making the decision at that exact moment while looking at the menu.
Yes, like I will tell the teacher!, but hopefully you won't need to use it that way!
Yes! You can say My car won't start if it is being stubborn.
Very common! Think of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You.
Yes, you can say Maybe I'll go to the party to show you are undecided.
The past form is would, but that is a different grammar rule for later!
Usually, we use the Present Simple for schedules, like The bus leaves at 5. But The bus will be here soon is okay too.
In daily conversation, they are both used a lot, but will is the king of quick reactions.
Use the contractions like I'll, you'll, and they'll. It makes your speech flow much better.
Sometimes! You can say He will sit there for hours to describe something someone often does.
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