Cool MateI will vs That's what I'm gonna do
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I will
High-frequency chunk
That's what I'm gonna do
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: I willMost common: I will
| I will | That's what I'm gonna do | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪ wɪl//🇺🇸 //aɪ wɪl// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts wɒt aɪm ˈɡʌnə duː//🇺🇸 //ðæts wɑt aɪm ˈgʌnə du// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to express future actions or intentions. | This means you will do something. |
| Example | I will go to the store later today. | When faced with the challenge, she said, 'That's what I'm gonna do.' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | High-frequency chunk | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | I will tell you, I will try, I will see | gonna do something, that's what I'm saying, I think that's what I'm gonna do |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'will' with 'going to' for future intentions., Using 'I will' for past actions. | Omitting 'gonna' and saying 'I'm going to' instead, which is less informal., Using it in a formal context, where a more serious tone is needed., Not matching the phrase with a clear subject, like 'That's what I am gonna do about the issue.' |
| Usage notes | Used to express future intentions, promises, or predictions. Avoid in very formal writing; 'I shall' may be preferred. | This phrase is used in casual conversations to express intent. It's suitable for informal contexts, such as chatting with friends but not for formal situations like meetings or presentations. |
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Frequently asked questions: I will vs That's what I'm gonna do
What's the difference between I will and That's what I'm gonna do?
I will: A phrase used to express future actions or intentions. That's what I'm gonna do: This means you will do something.
Which is more formal: I will and That's what I'm gonna do?
I will is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: I will and That's what I'm gonna do?
I will is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I will: I will go to the store later today. That's what I'm gonna do: When faced with the challenge, she said, 'That's what I'm gonna do.'
Can I use I will and That's what I'm gonna do interchangeably?
Not always. I will and That's what I'm gonna do are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.