1.

Future Predictions

For future predictions, we mainly use will, going to, and sometimes might/may to express different
degrees of certainty about the future.

1.1 Will (Simple Future)

Definition:

Will is used for making predictions about the future, especially when we don’t have a plan or when
something is just a guess based on personal opinion.

Form:

• Affirmative: Subject + will + base form of the verb

• Examples:

• I will call you later.

• She will arrive tomorrow.

• Negative: Subject + will not (won’t) + base form of the verb

• Examples:

• They won’t finish the project on time.

• He won’t like that movie.

• Question: Will + subject + base form of the verb

• Examples:

• Will it rain tomorrow?

• Will you come to the party?

When to Use:

• Use will for predictions that are based on your personal belief or opinion.

• Example: I think it will be sunny tomorrow.

• Also use will for decisions made at the moment of speaking (spontaneous decisions).

• Example: I’ll get the door. (You just decided in the moment.)
Examples:

• It will rain later today. (A prediction based on general knowledge.)

• You will love this book, I’m sure. (Personal prediction about someone’s feelings.)

Tip:

Use will when making predictions about things you’re not certain about but believe will happen, and for
quick decisions made in the moment:

• I will help you with your homework. (Decision made at the time of speaking.)

1.2 Going to (Near Future Plans or Predictions Based on Evidence)

Definition:

Going to is used for plans or decisions that have already been made before the moment of speaking. It is
also used for predictions when there is present evidence suggesting something will happen.

Form:

• Affirmative: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of the verb

• Examples:

• I am going to visit my grandparents this weekend.

• They are going to have a party tomorrow.

• Negative: Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base form of the verb

• Examples:

• He is not going to come to the meeting.

• We are not going to travel this year.

• Question: Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base form of the verb

• Examples:

• Are you going to watch the game tonight?

When to Use:

• Use going to for predictions based on evidence. When you see something happening or expect it
because of what you know, use going to.

• Example: Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain soon.

• Use going to for plans you have already decided on.

• Example: We are going to visit the museum this afternoon.

Examples:

• She’s going to be a doctor when she grows up. (Her decision is already made.)

• It’s going to rain soon. (Based on present evidence like dark clouds.)

Tip:

Use going to when you have made a decision in the past or have evidence of something about to
happen:

• I’m going to visit my friend tomorrow (a pre-planned action).

• The car is going to break down soon. (You see smoke coming out of the engine.)

1.3 Comparing Will and Going to

• Will is used when making a spontaneous decision or for predictions not based on evidence.

• Example: I will help you with the bags (you decide in the moment).

• Going to is used when a decision has already been made or when there’s evidence for a prediction.

• Example: She is going to study abroad next year (already planned).

When making decisions about the future, we can use will for spontaneous decisions and going to for
decisions made beforehand.

2.1 Will for Spontaneous Decisions

• Will is often used when we make decisions at the moment of speaking:

• Example: You’re hungry? I will make you a sandwich.

• Example: I will call you back in a minute (you decided just now).

2.2 Going to for Planned Decisions

• Going to is used for decisions that were made before the conversation:

• Example: I am going to quit my job (a decision made earlier).

• Example: We are going to buy a new house soon (planned in advance).

3. Probability (Talking About Likelihood)

Dovud, [30.09.2024 17:34]

When we talk about the probability or likelihood of something happening in the future, we use modal
verbs like will, might, may, and could. These express different levels of certainty.

3.1 Will (High Probability / Certainty)

• Will is used when we are almost certain that something will happen:

• Example: She will pass her exam. (You believe this is very likely.)

• Example: It will be cold in December. (This is a known fact.)

3.2 Might, May, Could (Lower Probability / Uncertainty)

• Might, may, and could are used when we are not sure if something will happen but think it’s possible.
Form:

• Affirmative (Might/May/Could): Subject + might/may/could + base form of the verb

• Examples:

• It might snow tomorrow.

• She may come to the party, but she’s not sure.

• They could win the match if they play well.

• Negative (Might Not/May Not): Subject + might not/may not + base form of the verb

• Examples:

• He might not finish the project on time.

• It may not rain this weekend after all.

When to Use:

• Use might, may, and could to express possibilities where you’re uncertain about the outcome.

• Example: I might go to the gym later, but I’m not sure.

• Example: She may visit us next week, but she hasn’t confirmed yet.

3.3 Comparing Levels of Probability:

• Will: High certainty (I know it will happen).

• Example: She will get the job (You believe it’s very likely).

• Might/May/Could: Lower certainty (I think it’s possible, but I’m not sure).

• Example: It might rain tomorrow (There’s a chance, but no guarantee).

• Example: She may join us later (She hasn’t confirmed, but it’s possible).

Tip:

Use will for high confidence predictions and might/may/could when you’re unsure about the future:

• It will be sunny tomorrow (I’m sure of it).

• It might rain tomorrow (I’m not sure, but it’s possible).

• Will is used for spontaneous decisions and predictions based on personal opinion.

• Example: I will help you with your homework (a decision made now).

• Example: It will be hot tomorrow (personal belief).

• Going to is used for plans made before the moment of speaking and for predictions based on
evidence.

• Example: I am going to study tonight (planned decision).

• Example: Look at the clouds, it is going to rain (evidence-based prediction).

• Might, may, and could express possibilities with lower certainty.

• Example: I might go out later (I’m not sure yet).

• Example: She may join us (there’s a possibility but no guarantee).