English uses several forms to express future actions. Here are the main ones:
1. Future with "Will"
will + base verb
- Predictions / beliefs: I will rain tomorrow.
- Spontaneous decisions: "I'm thirsty." "I will get water."
- Promises / offers / refusals: I will help you. I won't tell.
- Future facts: The sun will rise at 6 AM.
Negatives: won't + verb
Questions: Will + subject + verb?
2. Future with "Be Going To"
am/is/are + going to + base verb
- Plans / intentions: I am going to visit my parents next weekend.
- Predictions from evidence: Dark clouds – It is going to rain.
Negatives: am/is/are not going to + verb
Questions: Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + verb?
3. Future with Present Progressive
am/is/are + verb-ing
- Fixed arrangements: We are meeting at 7 PM tonight.
- Definite plans: They are flying to London Friday.
4. Future with Simple Present
Simple Present for timetables / schedules:
- Public schedules: The train leaves at 9:00 AM.
- Programmed events: My class starts at 8:30 AM.
Summary
- Will: Predictions, spontaneous decisions, promises.
- Be going to: Prior plans, evidence-based predictions.
- Present Progressive: Fixed personal arrangements.
- Simple Present: Timetables, schedules.