Will (predictions & instant decisions)

Some things about the future you decide in the moment; others you simply believe will happen. For both, English reaches for will. I think it will rain (a prediction), The phone's ringing — I'll get it (a decision made right now), I'll help you (an offer). One small word covers all of them, and the form never changes for he, she or it.

The structure is will + base verb — traditionally called the future simple (or simple future) — and it's the same for every subject, which is the easy part.

Quick shortcut: will + the base verb, for everyone — I'll go, she'll go, they'll go. No -s, no extra words. In everyday speech it's usually shortened to 'll.

When do we use will?

A few everyday jobs.

1. Predictions and opinions about the future — often after I think, I'm sure, maybe or probably:

• I think she'll like it.
• Maybe it will be sunny tomorrow.
• You'll enjoy the film, I'm sure.

2. Decisions made at the moment of speaking — you decide as you speak, not before:

• "It's cold in here." — "I'll close the window."
• I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed.

3. Offers and promises:

• That bag looks heavy — I'll carry it for you. (offer)
• Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. (promise)

Form: will + base verb

The form is identical for every subject — will doesn't change, and there's no -s on he / she / it.

In everyday English we use the short form 'll: I'll, you'll, he'll, she'll, it'll, we'll, they'll.

• I'll be there at six.
• They'll love this.

The verb after will stays in the base form: ✅ She'll come, never ❌ She'll comes and never ❌ She'll to come.

Making negatives

The negative is will not. In speech and informal writing it's usually contracted to won't:

• I won't be late.
• He won't agree.
• It won't work.

The short form is ✅ won't, never ❌ willn't.

Asking questions

To ask a question, put will before the subject:

• Will you come tomorrow?
• Will it rain later?
• What time will you arrive?

For short answers to yes/no questions, repeat will or won't:

• "Will you come?" — "Yes, I will." / "No, I won't."

Will or be going to?

Both talk about the future, but they feel different. Will fits a prediction based on opinion and a decision you make as you speak, while be going to fits a plan you've already made or a prediction you can see coming. It's a helpful guide, not a strict rule.

• I think it will rain. (opinion) — Look at those clouds — it's going to rain. (evidence)
• "We need milk." — "OK, I'll buy some." (decided right now) — I'm going to buy milk after work. (already planned)

For the planning side of the future, see Be going to.

Common mistakes

• ❌ She will to call. → ✅ She will call. (no to after will)
• ❌ He will comes. → ✅ He will come. (base form after will)
• ❌ I willn't go. → ✅ I won't go.
• ❌ Will you to help? → ✅ Will you help?
• ❌ I will go probably. → ✅ I'll probably go. (in statements, probably usually comes after will / 'll)

Quick check

In this quick check, use will ('ll) or won't with the verb in brackets:

1. Don't worry, I ____ (not / forget) your birthday.
2. I think they ____ (win) the game.
3. "I'm thirsty." "I ____ (get) you some water."
4. ____ you ____ (come) to my party? (question)

Key takeaways

• Use will + base verb for predictions and opinions (I think it'll rain), on-the-spot decisions (I'll get it), offers and promises.
• The form is the same for every subject; in speech it shrinks to 'll. The verb stays in the base form: ✅ will go, never ❌ will goes / will to go.
• The negative is won't (I won't be late); questions put will first (Will you…?).
• For plans already decided and evidence-based predictions, be going to often fits better.