Talking about future plans and intentions

Will and Won’t

We use ‚will/won’t‘ when we expect something to happen or when we decide to do something.

Examples:

It will be nice weather in the summer. (It could rain though)

I will apply for a new job soon. (I want to apply for a job)

They’ll get married soon. (I expect them to get married, they themselves didn’t say they would)

You won’t get a pay rise from your boss! (The boss doesn’t like you and he is frugal, so do not expect a pay rise)

He won’t fail his exams. (I would be disappointed if he did)

Will you visit Scotland this year? (Did you think about going to Scotland for a trip this year)

Planning to

We say ‚planning to‘ when you think and plan to do something but not certain you’ll do it.

Examples:

I’m planning to buy a new car next year. (I’m saving money and looking which cars I can buy with it but not sure when I’ll buy it)

He’s planning to go to university. (He is thinking about it at present)

We’re planning a holiday in Greece next summer. (We are going around travel agents making enquiries)

She is not planning to buy a new computer soon. (The old one is still OK, so there is no need to check the market for new models)

Are you planning to move abroad? (Are you making arrangements to move to another country?)

Would like to

I have a wish to do something but DO NOT work to make it happen.

Examples:

I would like to buy a new bicycle. (I want a new bicycle but I am not saving money towards it!)

You’d like to learn Spanish. (It’s only a dream now; no intentions to go to the Spanish classes)

We would like to move flats. (We want it but we don’t search for different flats)

They would like to go on holiday to Thailand. (It’s their dream holiday destination)

I wouldn’t like to go to jail. (It’s not my favourite destination)

Q: Would you like to come with me to the wedding? (Offering somebody something)

A: Yes, I would. or No, I wouldn’t.

Going to

I am working on something to happen and its probability is about 70-80%.

Examples:

I’m going to visit my parents next week. (I am decided to go there but something can change my plan)

She’s going to apply for that job she saw in the papers. (She is writing her CV and is likely to post it)

We are going to get married next year. (We are decided to get married not do not know the exact date yet)

The car is going to crash into the wall. (Collision is imminent)

They are not going to visit me at home. (They have no intentions to come to my place)

Are you going to go to university after college? (Do you really really want to study at university?)

Present continuous tense for future arrangements

To say that something is 99.9% certain. Something was already arranged.

No doubt the intended action will happen.

Examples:

I’m flying to Madrid next Tuesday. (I have got a plane ticket for next Tuesday)

He’s playing football this weekend. (The match is arranged for the coming weekend)

She’s going to university in September. (She passed the exams and will start university in September)

We’re getting married next June. (The date is set)

They are not going to Spain on holiday. (They are going elsewhere and they have it arranged)

The bus is leaving at 6 o’clock. (The timetable says it will depart at 6 o’clock)

Are you leaving your job? (Did you hand in your resignation?)