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English - Activities - Notes

About the so-called Futures
By michelle (1996) - used with permission of talkingpeople.net

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EXAMPLES I'm flying to London next week (I've got my ticket!) I'm going to travel to London next week (I haven't got my ticket yet, but I'm planning the trip) --Where are you going to have the party? --At a friend's house. Last year we decided we'd never have parties again but... --Where are you having the party? --At 65 Ketchup Street -- it's Mary's house. --I'm going to India, mum. --What?! Who with? --All alone! I need to learn about life! --Oh my! What will you live on? Where will you sleep? Who will keep an eye on you?! When are you moving to your new place? (I know you're moving, I'm asking about the date) When are you going to move to your new place? (I know you've got this plan/intention) When will you move? (I know you need to move, but I don't know if you're on that yet)

Will you marry me? (A question out of the blue!)
Are you going to marry me? (we talked about it!)
Are you marrying me next Sunday or not?! (we've organized it all but now, after a row, I'm wondering!!!)

What are you doing this evening? (What are you going to do?)
--I'll study (I suppose!)
--I'm going to study (that's my rock-solid intention!) (also in case below)
--I'm studying (with someone, know place and time, it's arranged)

What are you going to do this evening? (I'm especially interested in your plans/intentions)

What will you do? (Dramatic! It could be because somebody's got a problem and you can't think of how that person can solve it (also: What can you do?). It could be because you see that everything is in the air… like if someone is going to quit their job, or go on a trip hitchhiking, or the sort)

--What are you having? (common tense for “have” in this use)
--I'll have a coke (spontaneous decision)
--Sorry, I didn't hear. What are you going to have, then? (I know you've decided)
--A coke for me/ I'd like a coke/ I'm going to have a coke (plan)
--The phone's ringing!
--I'll get it!
--What did you say?
--I'm going to answer the phone (intention)