B1 – Intermediate
Prediction
A prediction is when you say what you think will happen in the future.
Example:
- It will rain tomorrow.
Using “Will” for Prediction
We use will when:
- We decide something at the moment of speaking
- We make a guess or opinion
Structure:
Subject + will + base verb
Examples:
- I think it will rain later.
- She will be happy.
- People will travel to Mars someday.
Common words used:
- I think…
- I believe…
- Probably…
Using “Going To” for Prediction
We use going to when:
- There is evidence now (we can see or know something).
Structure:
Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb
Examples:
- Look at the clouds! It is going to rain.
- He is going to fall! (You can see it happening)
- They are going to win (based on strong evidence)
Quick Comparison: “Will” vs “Going To”
| Use | Will | Going To |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion / Guess | ✓ | X |
| Evidence now | X | ✓ |
| Quick decision | ✓ | X |
Compare:
- Just an opinion: I think it will rain.
- Clear evidence: Look at the sky! It is going to rain.