what is going to happen vs what is gonna happen

"What is going to happen" and "what is gonna happen" are both acceptable phrases, but they would be used in dissimilar contexts. "What is going to happen" is more formal and appropriate for written or formal speech, while "what is gonna happen" is more informal and commonly used in spoken English.

Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: April 01, 2025 • 5220 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal contexts.

"what is going to happen"

This phrase is appropriate for formal situations, writing, or when you want to express something in a more structured way.

Show examples from the web [+]

They are scared about what is going to happen in the future.
But I can't understand what is going to happen.
This chapter prophesies what is going to happen at Times Square Church, as well as everywhere else there are hungry hearts.
I'll take you briefly through what is going to happen in court.
I can only tell you I don't know what is going to happen.
For the car industry, it is essential to know exactly what is going to happen and when.
I have no idea what is going to happen, no one has.
Nothing compared to what is going to happen between 7th and 11st of July 2016.
That is why I am highly confident about what is going to happen with this economic governance legislation in the coming days.
If we close our eyes and think ahead about what is going to happen in the next five years, then this is an enormous development.
Because that is exactly what is going to happen if you don't let her follow her dreams.
I will let you see what is going to happen.
Although they do not know this because of their rebellion, this is what is going to happen very shortly.
However modern statistical methods, econometric models and Business Intelligence software can indeed to some extent help companies forecast and estimate what is going to happen in the future.
You can never really guess what is going to happen; they almost always start small and end up spider webbing across the remaining windshield.
They aren't worried about what is going to happen next week, or next year.
And what is going to happen with our investment?
Many are not sure what is going to happen to themselves, and even worse, they are petrified about what is going to happen to their children, and their other family members.
You never know what is going to happen.
You never know what is going to happen next.

Alternatives:

what will happen
what is happening
what will occur
what is going to occur
what is going to take place

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal spoken English.

"what is gonna happen"

This phrase is more suitable for casual conversations, informal writing, or when speaking quickly.

Show examples from the web [+]

What is gonna happen if people start thinking that shirt-and-tie Clark has what it takes to save the day?
I look forward to what is gonna happen next.
I'm worried about what is gonna happen to you If this doesn't go your way.
That is what is gonna happen at 3:15.
After all these years and all this work, you... I'm - I'm worried about what is gonna happen to you If this doesn't go your way.
Okay, so what is gonna happen, then?
Ellie. What is gonna happen to her when she leaves this place?
What Is Gonna Happen To My Bendel's Deal?
What is gonna happen to her if we don't go get her?
What is gonna happen, is that I'm gonna talk for a little.
There's no preconceived notion of what should be going on or what is gonna happen.

Alternatives:

what's gonna happen
what will happen
what's going to happen
what's happening
what's going to occur

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what is going to happen vs what is gonna happen

"what is going to happen"

"what is gonna happen"

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