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Ask for help > will or going to?
will or going to?
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aniapen
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will or going to?
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Dear colleagues, when predicting future, would you say: �There will be a computer for each student in our school in 2020." or "There is going to be a computer for each student in our school in 2020." ??? Could you give me an explanation, please?
Thanks in advance,
Anna
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25 Nov 2010
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magneto
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You can only use will for a prediction which is not based on solid evidence.
You can use be going to either: a) if the prediction is based on solid evidence, or b) if having a computer for each student in your school in 2020 is a plan.
Hope I �ve helped
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25 Nov 2010
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yanogator
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This is more of a simple statement about the future, rather than a prediction, so "will" definitely sounds better. "Going to" also works, but it doesn �t sound as natural.
Bruce |
25 Nov 2010
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Chilvis
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Yes, as Magneto said you use will when you are making predictions based only on your opinion:
I think there will be a computer for.....
But if you know this can happen because you have some evidence you use be going to:
Scientists say there �s going to be... / statistics show there �s going to be...
So, it depends on the context. In your case I think you �re just making predictions, thinking what could happen in the future in that school so you should use will. Unless, it is a plan. In that case (again as Magneto said) we use be going to to talk about our plans or intentions (never will for this use)
Is it clear?
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25 Nov 2010
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dawnmain
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we also use will for future facts - I will be 45 next August.
I�d say you can use both depending on the slant you need to give.
the future is a very complicated area!!
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25 Nov 2010
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magneto
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Good point, Dawnmain. I �d forgotten about that.
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25 Nov 2010
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