We can use “will”, “might” and “going to” to make predictions in English. We often do this when we talk about the weather, for example.
Will and might
Both “will” and “might” are modal auxiliary verbs. This means that they are followed by the infinitive of the verb without “to”:
“It will rain later.” (Not “it will to rain…”)
“It might rain later.”
(For more information on how to use modal auxiliary verbs, see our page on can.)
We use “will” when we are sure that something will happen.
“It will be sunny later.” (100% probability)
We use “might” when something is less sure.
“It might rain later. Take an umbrella with you.” (50% probability)
The negative forms are:
“It won’t…”
“It won’t snow until December.”
“It might not…”
“It might not be sunny at the beach.”
Going to
We can use the verb “going to” (in the Present continuous tense) to talk about things that will happen because we can see evidence now.
“I think it’s going to rain.” (I can see black clouds.)
“I think we are going to have a storm.” (The temperature is hot, there’s no wind, and I can see black clouds.)
To use this in the negative, either say “I don’t think…” or “It isn’t going to…”
“I don’t think it’s going to rain.”
“It isn’t going to get hotter next week.”
Will Quiz
