There are 12 English verb tenses divided into 4 groups: Simple, Continuous, Perfect Simple, and Perfect Continuous. Each of the groups have a Past, Present and Future version.
The simple future tense is a unique one and is why I often joke that English actually has 13 verb tenses. That is because the simple future verb tense can be expressed in two ways:
[be going to + V]
e.g. I am going to visit my aunt in France next month.
and
[will + V]
e.g. I will let you know when he arrives.
And while they can be used the same way, there are some differences between them as well. It is important to understand those differences so that you choose the correct tense for the situation. Check out these future verb tense examples below:
“be going to” verb
1. Expressing a prior plan
I am going to start a new school next month.
The key point for this tense is it is a decision to do something at a future time, but the decision was made in the past. For example, yesterday I registered for a new school. The course begins next month, but the decision to start was made yesterday, so today I say “I am going to start a new school next month.”
2. Predicting something that is likely to happen in the future
It is going to rain tomorrow.
This is used to talk about something that you do not have control over, but you are guessing what might happen
“will” verb
1. Predicting something that is likely to happen in the future
It will rain tomorrow.
In the same way as the previous example for “be going to” verb, this is used to talk about something that you do not have control over, but you are guessing what might happen. There is no difference between the use of the tenses here.
2. Making a decision at the time of speaking
I will call you back in 5 minutes.
The key point for this one is that it is a decision to do something at a future time, but the decision is being made at the time of speaking. For example, I did not decide yesterday, that I am going to call you back in five minutes today. That sounds funny. I am on the phone with you right now, but I have another important call on the other line, so I have to hang up and call you back. I decided that right now, so I say “I will call you back in 5 minutes.”
Let’s compare with the example #1 of “be going to”:
Today, I visited a new school to ask about English courses starting soon. They have an interesting course that begins next month. I am currently talking to the academic director of the school and she is telling me about the course. During our conversation, I decide to register for the course, so I tell her, “I will take that course. Can I register for it today?”
3. Expressing a willingness to do something.
I will work on Saturday if I have to.
Often people think a willingness to do something means something they ‘want’ to do. This can be true. For example, “Who wants to eat the last piece of chocolate cake?” “Oh! I will have it!” You want to have the last piece of cake, so you volunteer eagerly, “I will!” However, a willingness doesn’t always mean something that you are eager and happy to do, but can also be used to describe something that you are prepared or ready to do, if need be. For instance, I prefer to leave work on time and have my weekends free to do whatever I want. I don’t volunteer to do overtime if I don’t have to. However, the boss tells me about how many employees are sick this week, and they don’t have anyone to work on Saturday. He asks if I can help him out this time, so I tell him, “Yes, I understand the company is in a difficult situation, so I will work on Saturday this weekend if you need me to.” I’m not exactly happy and eager about it, but I am ready and prepared to do what is necessary.
Consider also a soldier in war. No soldier “wants” to die in war. However, a soldier is willing to give up his life to save his country. Therefore, we say that soldiers will risk their lives for their country.
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