Will vs. going to

Question

Hi,I have read that it's ungrammatical to say "This weekend I will go the movies". I need to say "This weekend I am going to the movies". It's because the plan has already been made.I can understand that, but it's not very helpful. For example we have an election in our country next year. I say to someone,I will vote at the next election.I will vote for the moderates at the next election.If I am so certain, I must have already made plans. In this case according to the rules, I can only say "I am going to vote at..." or "I am going to vote for the moderates". But it seems also correct to me to say, "I will". Can someone explain? And thank you.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

AnonymousI have read that it's ungrammatical to say "This weekend I will go the movies".

Where did you read that? Your sentence is grammatical.

Perhaps the confusion is what is more natural. Most native speakers say, "I am going to the movies this weekend."

There are situations where "I will go to the movies this weekend." is also used.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousIf I am so certain, I must have already made plans. In this case according to the rules, I can only say "I am going to vote at..." or "I am going to vote for the moderates". But it seems also correct to me to say, "I will".

Both are grammatically correct. But then consider this. You go into a restaurant with a basket full of clothes. You say, "Could you please wash these clothes for me?" Your request is grammatically correct, but it is not appropriate, because people go to restaurant to dine, not to have their clothes washed. What we say must not only be grammatically correct, but it must be appropriate to the situation that we find ourselves in.

There are situations where "I'll vote for the moderates" is appropriate, but in my opinion, this is not that kind of situation. I would recommend saying, "I'm going to vote for the moderates" — for the very reason you mentioned — you are certain.

CJ

GPY · Answer

AnonymousI have read that it's ungrammatical to say "This weekend I will go to the movies".

It's certainly not ungrammatical to say that.

To me, "I will vote at the next election" seems like a statement of strong volition. We are perhaps less likely to have such a strong volition about weekend leisure activities.

Xerxes · Answer

"This weekend I am going to the movies" - as has been said by others, this one is more natural. You've already made a plan, and you're sticking to it.

"I will vote at the next election" / "I will vote for the moderates at the next election" - this is more of an assertion. This kind of assertion would sound rather pompous when used with weekend plans or a planned vacation.

Many books and websites make it sound as if the choice between "will" and "going to" is an either/or situation. I suggest that you avoid seeing things in terms that are so categorical. Very often "will" and "going to" can be used interchangeably without renouncing good grammar. It's often at the speaker's discretion.

Will vs. going to

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions