WILL + the infinitive

We use this form when we speak at the same time that we make a decision about the future plan (okamžitá rozhodnutí):

  • 'When can you give me an answer?' 'Well, I'll see you tomorrow. Is that okay?'

We also use it for the future we cannot influence or for predictions (vše, co nemůžeme ovlivnit, co si myslíme, že by mohlo nastat, předpovědi apod.).

  • It will be sunny next week.
  • I think it will be fine.

We can sometimes use the future simple to talk about predictions, but not about predictions based on present evidence ( v tom případě se použije vazba GOING TO):

  • He looks upset. I think he is going to cry.

To be going to + the infinitive

We use this form when we have made the decision and plan before we speak. We are telling someone what we have already decided or agreed to do (rozhodnutí jsme učinili dříve, před rozhovorem):

  • I'm going to see you tomorrow.

Na následujících dvou příkladech můžeme porovnat použití WILL a GOING TO (okamžité rozhodnutí a dřívější rozhodnutí):

  1. 'They say the weather will be nice tomorrow' 'Really? Oh well, in that case, I think I'll go to the beach'
  2. 'They say the weather will be nice tomorrow' 'I know - I checked the news yesterday. I'm going to swim. Would you like to come?'

The Present Continuous with a future meaning

We use it to talk about definite plans and arrangements. Things have been decided already, and arrangements have been made.

  • I'm seeing you tomorrow.

As you can see, this is very similar in use to 'to be going to'.

We generally use the present continuous when we are thinking about a particular time in the future. And it is commonly used to talk about social plans and meetings (společenské aktivity):

  • What are you doing this weekend?

BE TO + VERB

The President is to visit Russia. - Prezident navštíví Rusko.

BE ABOUT TO + VERB

The mayor is about to announce the result of the election. - Starosta každou chvíli oznámí výsledek volby.