Read about using will and be going to to talk about predictions. Then, when you are ready, try these practice exercises for will and be going to.

Predicting the future

Do you think we'll win? (future predictions)If you think something is possible in the future, you are making a prediction.

I think England will win the next football World Cup.

We can use be going to or will for predictions. There sometimes isn't a difference, but be going to can mean that we have a good reason for making the prediction.

I think it's going to snow again tomorrow.

(there are a lot of clouds and the weather is very, very cold)

I think it'll snow next Christmas.

(but that's in 12 months - it's just an opinion)

Expressions for predicting the future

These are some of the most common expressions for making predictions. The percentages (%) are very approximate (look at this graph here to see results of a study about what English speakers think these words mean). Notice the position of words like definitely in positive and negative sentences - before won't, but after will.

It'll definitely rain. 100% chance of rain
It'll almost certainly rain.
It's bound to rain.
90%-99%
It'll probably rain.
It's likely to rain.
80%-95%
It'll possibly rain.
It might rain.
50%-80%
It might not rain. 20%-50%
It probably won't rain.
It isn't likely to rain.
5%-20%
It almost certainly won't rain. 1%-5%
It definitely won't rain. 0% chance of rain

Now try these practice exercises using will and be going to for predictions.