Introduction
Understanding how to express future actions and plans is crucial for the TOEIC test, especially in the Listening and Reading sections. The future forms "will," "going to," and the "present continuous" are commonly used to talk about future events. Mastering these forms will help you comprehend and respond accurately in business contexts.
Explanation
Will: Use "will" for spontaneous decisions, promises, offers, and predictions based on opinions or beliefs.
Example: "I will send you the report by tomorrow."
Going to: Use "going to" for plans or intentions and predictions based on present evidence.
Example: "We are going to launch the new product next month."
Present Continuous: Use the present continuous for fixed arrangements or plans with a specific time.
Example: "I am meeting the client at 3 PM tomorrow."
Common mistakes
Confusing "will" and "going to": Remember, "will" is often used for decisions made at the moment of speaking, while "going to" is for plans made beforehand.
Incorrect: "I will visit my grandmother this weekend." (if it's a planned visit)
Correct: "I am going to visit my grandmother this weekend."
Using the present continuous without a specific time: The present continuous should be used with a time reference to indicate a future arrangement.
Incorrect: "I am meeting the manager."
Correct: "I am meeting the manager on Friday."
Tips for the TOEIC test
Pay attention to context clues in the Listening section to determine which future form is appropriate.
In the Reading section, notice time expressions that indicate future actions, helping you choose the correct form.
Practice distinguishing between spontaneous decisions and planned actions to improve your accuracy.
Mini practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct future form: "will," "going to," or the present continuous.
"I just found out about the meeting. I ________ attend it at 2 PM today."
"Look at those dark clouds. It ________ rain soon."
"We ________ have a team lunch next Friday at 1 PM."
Answers:
will
is going to
are having