Which should be used in this sentence? (Will or going to.)

Question

I have a bit to ask here. You see, I've been scouring the internet for every bit of difference between will and going to. I've found quite a lot, but I've also found contradicting statements on them. I know the basics - will is used for predictions, personal thoughts and spontaneous decisions whereas going to is used for predictions with evidence at hand and intentions. However, I've heard that will is also used for facts. Is this true? Oh, and I have one sentence to which I need an answer to.

Which one would be correct here?

I (will) be free on Friday.

I (am going to) be free on Friday.

Please answer, and thanks in advance.

Regards · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I'll be free on Friday / I'm going to be free on Friday - Both are fine. Although it might appear that you can use them interchangeably, they can also carry different meanings. I'm going to be free on Friday - This sentence probably expresses that you're planning not to work on Friday. It means that you might not be under any obligation on Friday, but it is somewhat of a prediction. I'll be free on Friday - That's a fact. You know that Friday is your day off. Maybe you usually don't work on this day, or you will be on a vacation on that day. However, what matters is that it's not a prediction. You are certain when you make such a statement. Therefore, if you're unsure whether Friday is certainly your day off, use "going to"; if you're sure you're free on Friday (it's a fact), use "will".

Regards

Which should be used in this sentence? (Will or going to.)

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