Language Focus: Making Predictions

Look at these two predictions about the future:

Prediction 1: This weekend, Manchester City play against Aston Villa. Manchester City are at the top of the league and are playing very well this season. Manchester City are going to win.

Prediction 2: This weekend, Manchester United play against Liverpool. Manchester United have the home advantage, but I have a feeling Liverpool will win.

Which prediction is based on evidence?

Which prediction is based on the opinion of the speaker?

When we are thinking about the future, sometimes we have a feeling or an idea about what will happen. For these predictions, we use the modal verb will.

Frequently, we make predictions based on the evidence around us. We look at the situation and then make a prediction. For these predictions we use 'going to'.

Here are some more examples of predictions based on evidence.

That was a deliberate foul! The referee is going to book him.

That man is driving dangerously. He's going to crash.

Ugh! I've eaten too much. I'm going to be sick!

Form: Look at how we form predictions with going to: 

Positive statements 

Subject + to be + going + infinitive

I am going to win!

He is going to be very happy.

Negative statements

Subject + to be + not + going + infinitive

They are not going to give up!

It is not going to be easy.

Now, try the language activities in Task 1 and Task 2.