will/be going to
wɪl / biː ˈɡəʊɪŋ tuː
Will is decided now; going to is already rolling
The picture A decision made in the very second you speak, an arrow leaving your hand, is will; a train already on the rails and starting to roll is be going to. WILL is decided right now; BE GOING TO is already under way.
Where the picture shows up in will/be going to
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decided on the spot
I'll get the door.
aɪl ɡet ðə dɔː
I'll get the door.
The bell rings and you push back from the dinner table and head for the hallway
Use will when nothing was planned and you decide as you speak.
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a plan already made
I'm going to quit at the end of the month.
aɪm ˈɡəʊɪŋ tə kwɪt ət ði end əv ðə mʌnθ
I'm going to quit at the end of the month.
A resignation letter already written and dated, sitting in the drawer
Something already rolling in your own head takes be going to.
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evidence right in front of you
Watch out — it's going to fall!
wɒtʃ aʊt — ɪts ˈɡəʊɪŋ tə fɔːl
Watch out — it's going to fall!
A cup half over the edge of the desk, already tipping
When the evidence is visible now, going to sounds right, not will.
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plain future on the record
The package will arrive on Friday.
ðə ˈpækɪdʒ wɪl əˈraɪv ɒn ˈfraɪdeɪ
The package will arrive on Friday.
Friday's date showing on the tracking screen, read out to the customer
Schedules and forecasts take will.
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promising right now
Don't worry, I'll help you.
dəʊnt ˈwʌri, aɪl help juː
Don't worry, I'll help you.
A hand landing on the shoulder of someone close to tears, and one firm nod
Promises, offers, and accepting a request take will.
All of it in one picture
"I'll get it" is decided in the second the bell rings; quitting, with the letter already in the drawer, is I'm going to. A cup tipping off the edge is going to fall — it has started moving already. Plain future on a record, like a delivery due Friday, takes will, and so does a promise made on the spot to someone who looks worried.