Will vs Going to

Kalau kita ingin berbicara tentang kenyataan di masa yang akan datang, atau kita percaya bahwa sesuatu itu akan menjadi kenyataan di masa mendatang, maka gunakanlah 'will'.

• The President will serve for four years.
• The boss won't be very happy.
• I'm sure you'll like her.
• I'm certain he'll do a good job.

Kalau kita tidak yakin, gunakan 'will' dengan ekspresi seperti 'probably', 'possibly', 'I think', 'I hope'.

• I hope you'll visit me in my home one day.
• She'll probably be a great success.
• I'll possibly come but I may not get back in time.
• I think we'll get on well.

Namun jika kita membuat prediksi di masa mendatang berdasarkan fakta yang ada pada saat sekarang, maka gunakanlah 'going to'.

• Not a cloud in the sky. It's going to be another warm day.
• Look at the queue. We're not going to get in for hours.
• The traffic is terrible. We're going to miss our flight.
• Be careful! You're going to spill your coffee.

Kita membuat keputusan mendadak pada saat bicara (tidak ada rencana sebelumnya), maka gunakanlah 'will'. Namun kalau sudah direncanakan dengan matang, gunakanlah 'going to'.

• I'll call Jenny to let her know. Sarah, I need Jenny's number. I'm going to call her about the meeting.
• I'll come and have a drink with you but I must let Harry know. Harry, I'm going to have a drink with Simon.