FUTURE TENSES

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WILL - GOING TO - PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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We use will for Future Predictions. We often use "will" with the horoscope, for instance.

Example:

When I was young I used to say: One day I will go to Arzak for lunch.

We also use will for spontaneous decisions (It's hot, I'll open the window) and when you offer to do something (you don't understand, I'll help you!)

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We use going to for plans & intentions.

Example: Last year I won an invitation for Arzak in 4 graders competition for "Ikas bidaia". I went home really happy and started making plans with my husband:

We are going to choose a day in July, so that the weather will be nice. We are going to take our time to eat and we are going to have a great, great time.

We also use going to when something is about to happen (move, that tree is going to fall on top of you!)

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We use present continuous for fixed arrangements, when there is no doubt.

Example: When we phoned Arzak and made a final booking, we both said:

We are having lunch in Arzak on 5th July.

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Another example could be when speaking about a football match. We say:

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La Real Sociedad is playing vs Betis on Saturday. It is not a prediction (the match has been scheduled for that day), it is not a plan players have decided BUT it is a fixed arrangement.

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Let's watch the following video:

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