I'm not going to talk about future tense and predictions, but other uses of future tense.
Going to – plans and intentions that we have;
I'm going to pay Mum a visit later today. She's not feeling well.
Strong intentions.
I'm going to learn German next year. It's something I've always wanted to do.
Present continuous – something that had been planned earlier – some sort of planning has taken place. You have a plan now. That's why we often call this present –future. You've made an appointment, you've phoned somebody about it, etc. You might write these things in your diary – if you have one.
The Jones's are coming round to dinner this evening. (I've called them)
I'm having my haircut this afternoon. (I have an appointment)
But I could say those above with ‘going to' as well.
Be careful – present continuous doesn't work well if you want to express strong intention about something you've been thinking about doing, like your intention to learn German:
I'm learning German next year – does not express that intention.
Better:
I'm going to learn German next year, if it's the last thing I do.
I'm going to keep asking her until she says yes.
In British English, you'll hear present continuous used more with verbs of movement.
I'm just popping out to buy a newspaper.
Are you coming down the pub, Dave?
Where are you going for your holidays this summer.
Will does not talk about any planning at all. It describes actions in the future when you decided to do that thing at that moment.
I can't open this tin of tomatoes.
I'll do it for you!
Mum told me she was feeling lonely.
Really? I'll give her a call this afternoon.
So then we need to remember that when we talk about these future actions later. We just used the past tense of these forms.
I was going to study German this year but I haven't started yet.
You said you were coming down the pub, Dave. Where are you?
The Jones's were going to come to dinner this evening, but they can't make it.
So the past tense of ‘will' is ‘would'
You said you would open this tin of tomatoes. Well you haven't done it.
Mum – You're not going to school until you've made your bed, Carmen.
Carmen – I'm going to make it now, Mum. I always make it every morning. You don't have to tell me.
M – That's not exactly true. You said you were going to make your bed yesterday morning, and you forgot – again. You seem to forget a lot of things you don't like doing.
Dad – Mary, I can't find a fresh shirt to put on…
M – Did you iron one last night?
D – Eh, no. That's true, I didn't. I was going to do it, then it went just clean out of my head. I'll iron one now. Where's the iron…?
C – You see, Dad forgets things too. You don't go on at him, do you?
M – Your father has got a lot on his mind, with his job and…
C – Oh, and I don't, right? School studies don't count. Is that it?
M – You're father's meeting some important clients today.
Kevin – Mum, you said you'd buy me Chocochips for breakfast. The packet's still empty.
M – Right, I'll buy them today, Kevin. I'm sorry. I'll make you some toast instead.
K – I don't like toast unless it's got Chocochips on it.
C – You can't put Chocochips on toast, Stupid!
K – Right! That's it! I'm leaving for school without any breakfast.
D – Mary. I can't find the iron. It's not in its usual place.
M – Ehrm. I don't know where it is then. Carmen, you haven't taken the iron again to straighten your hair, have you?
C – What if I have? Dad said he was going to buy me a hair iron. He never did.
D – You use the iron to straighten your hair?
K – Where are my Chocochips?
C – I thought you said you were leaving, Stupid brother!
M – Be quiet, Carmen! Leave Kevin alone. I'll get the iron for you now.
K – I'm not going to have any breakfast. I hate toast!
C –I could say that too, Kevin. I hate making my bed. ‘I'm not going to make my bed!' But I still do it.
D – No you don't, you spend all morning in the bathroom – and ironing your hair with the clothes iron. That's a new one!
M – Now, listen, everybody! That's enough! I don't know why you can't all organise yourselves in the mornings. I'd like to remind you I'm a very busy person too. I'm Prime Minister of this country, and I have an important speech to make to the House of Commons in two hours from now. So, just stop complaining, and learn to organise yourselves.
C, K and Dad – Sorry, Mum. Sorry, Mary.
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