Search from various English teachers...
Ukraine flagSashaProfessional Teacher
If you're relly good at English grammar could you please explaine this? Hi! I am sorry to ask this question again, but I still can't understand why the answer a) is more correct than the answer b). The exercise is taken from an English textbook by Michael Vince. Perhaps you know how to contac the author to ask about this task... a) The King will arrive at 6.00 b) The King is going to arrive at 6.00. The screenshot of the exersise: https://ibb.co/cJvM89 (from Elementary Language Practice by Michael Vince) Key says a) Thank you!

Answers · 15

4
@ John It's "ambiguity", not "ambigity".
4
The textbook is right, a is more appropriate. All the context necessary is given in the screenshot, the person who said the sentence is a newsreader. The difference is subtle. The newsreader is reporting something that will definitely happen in the future. It is a statement of fact. It will happen, no ifs, no buts, no maybes. Do you see the difference? If you use 'going to', although we understand as a listener it is highly likely that the said event is going to happen, it leaves open the possibility (however small it might be) that it is open to change. The King should arrive at 6, that is what is scheduled to happen. That is what we understand. But A leaves no leeway, no wiggle room which B does. For that reason B sounds weird in the context provided.
3
Be going to is used 1- predition based on present evidence. E.g. look at that wall, it looks as if it is going to fall down 2- intentions E.g. I am asking for a pay rise tomorrow. While will used as 1- prediciton 2- future fact 3- Decisions made at the moment of speaking 4- offers 5- promises 6- requests 7- refusal (won't) a is correct becuse it gives future fact
2
You might find this chart on the differences between WILL and GOING TO helpful: http://www.grammar.cl/Notes/Future_Will_vs_Going.htm
1
The correct answer is "both are the same" researched and verified on behalf of the asker. There are no subtle differences or nuances. The asker has been messaged with a simple explanation, as per my comment above. The only exception is "Will grammar" is much more common in official timetables. Therefore Dan N should be selected as the best answer.

Still haven’t found your answers?

Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!

Start Learning Today