Will and won’t: how to talk about the future
Short answer: Use will plus the plain verb to talk about the future: It will rain tomorrow. The form is the same for every person, with no -s and no to. Will is used for predictions (I think it will rain), promises (I will help you) and quick decisions. Won’t means will not. Ask with Will you...?
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At a glance
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| prediction | will + plain verb | It will be sunny tomorrow. |
| promise | will + plain verb | I will help you. |
| negative | won’t + plain verb | He won’t be late. |
| question | Will + subject + plain verb? | Will you come? |
In short
- will + plain action word, for every person.
- No -s and no to after will.
- won't = will not.
What is the rule for “Future: will and won't”?
The rule
will + the plain action word talks about the future. It is the same for every person.
How it looks
will + plain action word · won't = will not
What it means
It tells what we think will happen, what we promise, or what we offer.
When to use it
Use it for a prediction (I think it will rain), a promise (I will help you) or a quick decision.
How it works
- Choose will when you predict, promise, offer or decide quickly.
- Put the plain verb after it: will go, will help. No -s, no to.
- Use the short form in speech: I’ll, you’ll, she’ll, we’ll, they’ll.
- Ask by moving will to the front. Answer: Yes, I will. / No, I won’t.
Examples of “Future: will and won't”
- It will rain tomorrow.
A prediction: I think so. - I will help you.
A promise. - He won't be late.
won't = will not. - Will you come?
Yes, I will. / No, I won't. - I think Hanoi will be cold tomorrow.
A prediction, so will. - I will call you tonight.
A promise. - We won’t be late.
won’t = will not. - Will she come to the party?
Question: Will + subject.
Common mistakes with “Future: will and won't”
She will goes.→ She will go.
After will use the plain action word, with no -s.I will to help you.→ I will help you.
Do not use to after will.Tomorrow I go to Hue. (a prediction)→ Tomorrow I will go to Hue.
Use will for the future.They will arrived tomorrow.→ They will arrive tomorrow.
After will, use the plain verb.Will you to help me?→ Will you help me?
No to after will, even in a question.
Exceptions: watch out
- I'll
I will can be short: I'll help you.
Will or going to?
Will is for predictions, promises and decisions made now. Going to is for plans made before and clear signs. See the card will or going to?
| Idea | will | going to |
|---|---|---|
| decision now | I’ll have the soup. | — |
| plan | — | I am going to visit Hue. |
| prediction | It will rain. | It is going to rain. (we see clouds) |
See also: will or going to?
Check yourself
- Fill the gap: “Tomorrow I ___ visit my aunt.” (will)
Show the answer
will A future plan or prediction with will.
- Make it negative: “He will come.”
Show the answer
He won’t come. won’t = will not.
- Fix: “She will goes.”
Show the answer
She will go. Plain verb after will.
How to practice “Future: will and won't”
The interactive version adds step-by-step help, spoken instructions and a quick check. One rule card, one sound lesson and the first lesson of every stone are free to try; the rest is part of Full Access. See Full Access.
- Practice lesson: Future: will
Questions
Is “shall” the same as “will”?
Shall is used mainly in offers and suggestions with I and we: Shall I open the window? Will is more common otherwise.
Can I use the present simple for the future?
Yes, for timetables: The train leaves at six. But for predictions use will.
How do I say “I’ll”?
Say it like “ile”. It is a short form of I will.
More Grammar in Context rules
- The best: comparing three or more: To say which one is number one, use the + -est, or the most for long words.
- Plans: am / is / are going to: Use am, is or are + going to + the plain action word for plans, and for things we can see coming.
- Telling a story: first, then, next, finally: Order words put the steps of a story in order. Keep the whole story in the past.
- when and if: when tells the time. if tells what must happen first. After if, use the present for the future.
- Polite talk: Can I …? Would you like …?: Ask with Can I have … , please? Offer with Would you like …? Answer with Yes, please or No, thank you.
- always, usually, sometimes, never: Words like always and never tell how often. They go before the action word but after am / is / are.
Used in these writing topics
Part of the 📘 Grammar tool. Level G4: Grammar in Context. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30
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