Guide to English grammar

We're going to eat out tonight. (We have decided to eat out.)

We're eating out tonight. (We have arranged to eat out.)

We use will only for an instant decision.

It's hot in here. I'll open a window.

Paul is using the kitchen. He's cookingfor some friends. ~ Well, we'll eat out then.

3 Look at this conversation at the end of work on Friday afternoon.

A FEW DAYS OFF

Emma: I'll see you on Monday then.
Polly: Oh, I won't be here. Didn't I tell you? I'm taking afew days off. I'm going
on holiday. I'll be awayfor a week.
Emma: No, you didn't say. Where are you going?
Polly: The Lake District. I'm going to do some walking.
Emma: Oh, that'll be nice. Well, I hope you have a good time.
Polly: Thanks. I'll seeyou the week after.
Polly gives the news of her plans and intentions by using the present continuous
and be going to.
I'm taking afew days off. I'm going to do some walking.
We cannot use will in this context. But after first mentioning a plan or intention,
we often use will for further details and comments.
I'm going on holiday. I'll be awayfor a week.
I'm going to do some walking. ~ Oh, that'll be nice.
They're going to build some flats. The work will take about six months.
NOTE
We often use will in a sentence with an if-clause. • 257(3)
I'll lose my way ifI don't take a map.
Sometimes a condition is understood but not expressed.
I might give up the course. ~ You'll regret it (if you do).
75 The future continuous: will be doing
1 We use will + be + active participle for an action over a period of future time. It
means that we will be in the middle of an action.
I can't meet you atfour. I'll be working.
How will I recognize you? ~ I'm fair, sixfeet tall, and I'll be wearing a blue coat.
A huge crowd will be waiting when the Queen arrives later today.
Compare the past and future.
I'vejust had a holiday. This time last week I was lying in the sun.
I'm going on holiday. This time next week I'll be lying in the sun.
Compare these sentences.
The crowd will cheer when the Queen arrives.
(She will arrive and then the crowd will cheer.)
The crowd will be cheering when the Queen arrives.
(The crowd will start cheering before she arrives.)
NOTE
In the first person we can also use shall.