Exploring the Nuances of Future Expressions: Will, Shall, and Going to
When discussing the future in English, native speakers often use will, shall, and going to. Although these expressions generally indicate future actions, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage. Understanding these nuances can enhance the clarity and precise application of these terms.
The Basics
Often, these three expressions are used interchangeably. For instance, consider the following statement:
1. The wedding will be in a church.
2. I am going to get married on March 6.
3. He shall not do it.
While these sentences can be used to indicate future actions, there are different contexts and scenarios where each term is more appropriate.
The Misconception: “Gonna”
It is crucial to note that “gonna” is not a legitimate English word. It is a slang term used informally and should be avoided in formal writing or speech. For example:
It isn’t going to rain today.
Avoid:
It’s gonna rain today.
Will vs. Shall
Will and shall are frequently used to express future actions. However, they have different connotations and usage:
Will is commonly used for making instantaneous decisions or general predictions:
“It will rain today.” - A general prediction based on knowledge or experience.
“I will have lunch in the canteen today.” - A decision that is made at the moment.
“Help! I will fall!” - An immediate prediction of an impending action.
Shall, on the other hand, is often used for giving suggestions that are based on the current situation or surroundings:
“You shall hear from us soon.” - A formal or official suggestion or commitment.
“Shall we go to the concert?” - A suggestion that is open to agreement.
“He shall not do it.” - A rule or instruction in a formal context.
Examining the sentences:
1. I shall miss you. - This indicates a commitment or promise.
2. He shall not do it. - This implies a rule or instruction.
3. You shall hear from us. - This is a formal or official statement, akin to giving a promise.
Going to vs. Will
Going to is typically used when making predictions based on the present situation or circumstances:
“It’s going to rain today. Look at those clouds.” - A prediction based on visible evidence.
“They are going to be musicians at the wedding.” - A prediction based on intentions or plans.
“I am going to send a gift.” - An intention or plan for an action to be taken soon.
Will, in contrast, is used for more distant future actions, decisions, or general predictions:
“It will rain I expect. It always rains at weekends.” - A general prediction based on routine or experience.
“I will have lunch in the canteen today.” - A decision that is made at the moment or before the action.
“I’ll be back.” vs. “I’m going to be back.” - The former expresses a stronger commitment, while the latter expresses an intention.
“Will the Terminator come back?” - This is more about a general prediction or routine rather than a specific, impending action.
For example, consider the following sentence from John Eastwood’s textbook:
“It’s going to rain. Look at those clouds.” - A prediction based on visible evidence.
“It will rain I expect. It always rains at weekends.” - A general prediction based on routine or experience.
Examples for Comparison
Will for instantaneous decisions and general predictions:
“I will have lunch in the canteen today.” - A decision made at the moment.
“It will rain I expect. It always rains at weekends.” - A general prediction based on routine or experience.
Going to for intentions or predictions based on the present situation:
“They are going to be musicians at the wedding.” - A prediction based on intentions or plans.
“I am going to send a gift.” - An intention or plan for an action to be taken soon.
Shall for giving suggestions that regard the surroundings before proceeding:
“Shall we go to the concert?” - A suggestion that is open to agreement.
“He shall not do it.” - A rule or instruction in a formal context.
“I shall miss you.” - Indicates a commitment or promise.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between these expressions can improve the clarity and specificity of your language. While they all refer to the future, choosing the right term can convey the exact nature of the future action or intention. Misusing the terms can lead to confusion or alter the intended meaning. By applying these distinctions, you can communicate your intentions more accurately.