Future tenses

Erica is going to prepare a list of key people to consult.

"Going to" expresses

• confident prediction

• an intention to do something

• spontaneous decision

• prediction based on evidence

The steps we are taking should reduce problems.

• a general prediction

• a future plan

• a prediction based on what is usual or expected

• an idea

There could be troubles.

• we are not sure about something

• a prediction based on our opinion

• a future plan

• we are less confident but think that smth is possible

A few people will leave the company.

• confident prediction

• a decision made at the moment of speaking

• a future plan

• a possible situation

It might be useful for you to come to the next meeting.

• our opinion

• a promise

• we are less confident, but think smth is possible

• a future intention

I will keep you posted on any developments.

• a promise

• a spontaneous decision

• a plan

• an intention

I can see that this is going to be a sensitive issue for some people.

• confident prediction

• an intention without arrangements

• prediction based on evidence

• our personal idea

will can be used to... (choose some options)

• talk about future facts

• to make decisions, offers, promises

• to talk about prediction

• to express your point of view

Might, could and should are

• synonyms

• they express the same thing

• they express different things

• use to speak about something that is certain

going to can express

• exact plans

• future arrangements

• predictions based on evidence

• some uncertain plans