Episode 4 — Will and Going to
Beginner+ • 4:17 • 2026-04-04
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You're listening to Mr. English Podcast by Mr. English Podcast. Hello everyone and welcome back to Grammar in Real Conversation, an English learning series from Mr. English Podcast. Hi everyone. Before we start, tell us in the comments what are you going to do this weekend? And don't forget to leave your feedback to help us improve the next episode. Today we're talking about something very useful in daily English. Yes. How to talk about the future using will and going to. These two are very common, but many learners don't know when to use each one. So today we'll start with a natural conversation, then explain the grammar step by step, and finally give you another short conversation for practice. Let's begin. John, do you have any plans for this weekend? Yes, I do. I'm going to visit my parents. That sounds nice. How long are you going to stay there? Just for 2 days. Are you going to do anything special with them? Yes, we're going to have dinner together and maybe watch a movie. That sounds relaxing. What about you? Do you have any plans? Not really. I think I'll just stay at home. Really? You always say that. I know, but this time I mean it. Okay, but I think you'll go out with your friends. Maybe. You're right. And what will you do next week? I'll start a new project at work. That sounds exciting. Okay, now let's talk about the grammar. Good idea. First, let's look at this sentence. I'm going to visit my parents. This is going to, right? We use going to when we already have a plan. So, in this case, I already decided to visit my parents. Now, let's look at this sentence. I think I'll stay at home. This is will, right? We use will for decisions we make at the moment of speaking. So I didn't plan it before. I just decided now. Another example. You'll go out with your friends. This is also will. Yes. Because it's a prediction. Here's the main idea. One, going to means planned before now. Two will means decided now or prediction. For example, I'm going to study tonight implies I already made the plan. I'll study tonight implies I just decided now. It's going to rain implies I see the clouds. Evidence. I think it will rain. Just my opinion. Jessica, what are you going to do after this episode? I'm going to take a short break. That sounds good. I think I'll get some coffee. You always say that. I know. I'll try not to drink too much today. Good luck with that. Are you going to work later? Yes, I'm going to finish some tasks this afternoon. I think you'll do great. Thanks. Let's review the key idea one more time. We use going to for plans made before now. And we use will for decisions made at the moment or predictions. So when you speak, ask yourself, did I plan this before or am I deciding now? That will help you choose the right form. Thanks for listening to grammar in real conversation. We hope this episode helped you understand will and going to more clearly. And don't forget to leave your feedback in the comments. It really helps us make better episodes for you.