The Future Simple Tense VS. The Future Continuous Tense And Be Going To
Learn future expressions, "will" vs. "be going to," and find language courses in California at the College of English Language.
.jpg)
So, you’ve been learning about different ways to express the future, and you still have a lot of doubts. You aren’t sure how to use constructions like “I am going to see my sister.” or when to put “will go” or “will be going” in your sentences. These forms all seem so similar to you.
Well, sign up for a course in a California school of languages and ask your teachers to clarify everything unclear. And, of course, read and practice a lot on your own. There’s simply no other way to go about this.
However, check out this article where we’ll compare the Simple Future Tense and the Future Continuous Tense, and explain the differences between will and be going to. Read on!
Contact us online and get a quote today or call us via WhatsApp!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE AND THE FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE?
To understand the main difference between the Simple Future Tense and the Future Continuous Tense, let’s look at the following examples:
I will get home at 9 tonight.
When I arrive, my sister will be watching TV.
In the first sentence, we have a future simple form because we are describing a short activity that will happen in the future (you’ll just open the door and come inside the house).
However, in the second sentence, the activity is much longer, and it will be in progress at a certain moment in the future (when you enter the house, your sister will be looking at the TV screen).
WHEN SHOULD I USE WILL OR BE GOING TO?
Will or be going to constructions usually cause a lot of trouble to students as they seem to have similar meanings. But you can’t use them interchangeably, as you’ll see from the examples below.
PREDICTIONS
Both constructions express predictions, but will is used to talk about predictions based on the speaker’s personal beliefs and hopes, whereas the be going to form is used for predictions based on some solid evidence. Let’s look at these sentences:
- I think Margaret studied so hard. She will pass the entrance exam.
In this situation, the speaker believes Margaret studied hard and shares their hopes about the entrance exam. The speaker doesn’t have any firm evidence.
- I watched the weather forecast. It is going to rain tonight.
The speaker has some concrete evidence - the weather forecast. The speaker isn’t revealing their beliefs.
PLANS
Both forms are used for plans, but we use will for decisions/plans made at the time of speaking. The be going to form, on the other hand, indicates a pre-elaborated plan. Let’s compare the following sentences:
- I am tired now. I think I will stay at home and watch TV tonight.
The speaker made this plan at the moment of speaking based on their feelings at that moment.
- I am going to visit my grandparents in the countryside next week. I can’t wait!
In the sentence above, we have a definite plan made sometime before the speaker uttered the sentence.
WHERE IN CALIFORNIA CAN I FIND A RELIABLE SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES?
Reading blog posts and working on your own may suit you because you’re in your comfort zone. But if you want to get a handle on English, you’d better attend some classes too. At the College of English Language, trained teachers will simulate real-life situations in high-tech classrooms, and you’ll get immersed in the language sooner than you think.
And if you are looking for an extra challenge, we have amazing news for you. In addition to general English and international exam preparation classes, we also offer other fantastic courses, including English Plus Surfing or English Plus Volunteer. Here, you can practice the language and ride the California waves, or you can volunteer at the San Diego History Center, assist visitors in the information booth, and discover a lot about the history of the area. Sounds awesome? Visit us in San Diego, Santa Monica, or Pacific Beach, and let your language learning adventure begin today!
Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming Fluent In English: How To Improve Speaking And Writing Skills
Improve your English speaking and writing skills effectively at the College of English Language in Los Angeles, with personalized instruction, modern teaching methods, and a supportive learning environment.

What's Your Purpose In Studying Abroad?
Before selecting a destination for studying abroad, it's essential to define your learning goals and evaluate how the experience will benefit you in the future.

Comic-Con International 2017 in San Diego
Comic Con International in San Diego, one of the largest events in the city, draws massive crowds with its array of cosplay, panels, and activities, generating significant revenue for San Diego annually.

How To Choose The Right English Language School
Choose CEL San Diego for top-notch English learning: diverse courses, skilled staff, small classes, convenient location, accommodation support, positive reviews, modern facilities, and quality-focused approach.

Halloween Is Just Around The Corner!
Halloween, originating from Celtic festivals, transformed in America through Irish and immigrant influences, evolving into a secular, community-centered celebration marked by traditions like trick-or-treating, now a significant commercial holiday.
.avif)
Ein Tag in San Diego: Was dich während deines Sprachaufenthalts erwartet
Wie sieht dein Alltag während eines Sprachaufenthalts in Kalifornien aus? In diesem Artikel begleiten wir dich durch einen typischen Tag bei CEL San Diego – von einem entspannten Morgenspaziergang zum Strand über interaktiven Englischunterricht bis hin zu Surfen, Yoga oder einem BBQ mit Freunden. Erfahre, wie du in einer modernen Unterkunft mit Pool und Fitnessstudio wohnst, amerikanische Nachbarn kennenlernst und das echte kalifornische Lebensgefühl erlebst – alles nur 5 Minuten vom Pazifik entfernt

Why Vancouver Attracts Students Who Don’t Want a “Typical” Study Abroad Experience
An editorial insight into why Vancouver appeals to students at all levels who want a grounded, supportive, and non-typical environment to learn English and grow steadily over time.

Why You Should Choose San Diego Over LA and San Francisco
Currently interning at CEL San Diego, I've cherished the diverse friendships and learning opportunities, affirming CEL as California's top language school. From Santa Monica to San Diego, my journey embodies the essence of the West Coast.




