Written by Gabriela Estrada

Planned decisions (use of going to) vs. last-minute decisions (use of will). The words"will" and "going to" are the two most commonly used words when talking about plans, promises, and predictions about the December holidays. Those who are learning English can take advantage of this season to practice the correct way to use them in their holiday holiday. 

Each one has a different function even though they are used in the same context. Read with me to the end and learn how to construct accurate sentences based on planned or spontaneous ideas, promises, and predictions, and then try to apply them to real conversations in your environment. 

"Going to": meaning and usage 

The meaning of "going to" (or be going to) in Spanish is "ir a". It is used for plans that have already been decided and that there is a firm intention to carry them out, usually because preparations have been made in advance. It is also used for predictions based on visible evidence (a clear and observable sign in the present).

Formula and application for December holidays

Subject + to be + going to + base verb.

• Plan vacations ahead of time: (We) are going to drive to Banff for Christmas. to Banff for Christmas. (We are going to drive to Banff for Christmas.)

The use of "going to" in this sentence communicates that your action is not a last-minute impulse , but a serious and planned decision. 

• Predict with evidence. In Canada, this phrase is typical of winter: "Look at the thick ice ("Mira el hielo espeso) on the sidewalk (on the sidewalk); someone is going to slip.

The visible evidence lies in the ice on the sidewalk and gives rise to what will happening (going to).

“Will": meaning and usage 

Will is translated into Spanish with the main verb in the future tense (for example, I will go, I will do, I will buy). The auxiliary "will" is used for spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking, without having planned them beforehand.

Formula and application in quick decisions

It is constructed with subject + will + base verb

• Quick decisions, use these phrases with "will": "The ground is icy. I will put on my snow boots." (The ground is frozen. I will put on my snow boots).
• Promises with "Will": "I promise, I will mail your Christmas card before December 15th." "I promise that I will mail your Christmas card by mail before December 15th."
• Opinion prediction of opinion with "Will": "I think the weather will be warmer on New Year's Day." will be warmer on New Year's Day."

Are your plans for December "going to" or will you leave them to chance to practice "will"?

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Thank you very much for reading, see you in the next blog!

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