Talking about the future

I. Present Continuous:

Present Continuous can be used:

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• To talk about a future plan:

Example: They are building a new bridge in the area.

II. Near future (be going to):

be going to can be used:

• To talk about a future plan:

Example: They are going to build a new bridge in the area.

• To talk about something that is sure to happen:

Example: I’m going to be 20 years old next month.

The sky looks so dark! It is going to rain.

III. Future Simple:

Future Simple can be used:

• To talk about an immediate decision:

Example: Someone is at the door. I will go and open it.

• To talk about a prediction or a promise(believe, think, expect, anticipate, promise, …):

Example: I think it will rain.

I promise I will not do it again!

IV. Special cases:

There are cases where you can either use be going to or Future Simple:

Example: I’m sure he is going to win the match.

I’m sure he will win the match.