Ask About English!!! Q28: 'going to / will'

Hello there!

Could you please explain the difference in using "will and going to" in predictions? For example" I think it's going to rain this afternoon" and "She'll miss the train.

Thank you. Martina


Hello Martina,

When you are predicting what you think will happen in the future, you should choose the form based on how certain you are. If you're not too sure, it's fine to use "will", but if you're nearly certain about something, it's best to use "going to":

"I think it will rain this afternoon"
(I'm not sure, but it looks like it might.)

"It is going to rain this afternoon"
(I'm sure it's going to rain -- I can see black clouds in the sky.)

Hope this helps

Thanks

Matt