What Does ‘Be Going To’ Mean?
We use be going to to talk about the future. It helps us express two main ideas:
- Plans and Intentions: Things you have already decided to do. You have a plan in your mind.
- Predictions with Evidence: Things you think will happen because you see or know something now.
It is very common for talking about your personal schedule or what you expect to happen soon.
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How Do We Form 'Be Going To'?
The structure for be going to is simple. Remember to use the correct form of the verb to be (am, is, or are) with the subject.
Affirmative (Positive) Sentences:
Use: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb
- I am going to study English tonight.
- She is going to buy a new car.
- They are going to travel next summer.
Negative Sentences:
Use: Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base verb
- I am not going to watch TV.
- He isn't going to play soccer today.
- We aren't going to eat pizza.
Questions:
Use: Am/Is/Are + Subject + going to + base verb?
- Are you going to cook dinner?
- Is she going to call him?
- Are they going to visit us?
Short Answers:
- Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.
- Yes, he is. / No, he isn't.
- Yes, we are. / No, we aren't.
When Do We Use 'Be Going To'?
Let's look at the two main situations for using be going to:
- For Plans and Intentions: When you have already decided something. You have a clear idea in your mind.
- I've got my ticket. I'm going to fly to New York next month. (The plan is made.)
- We are going to have a party on Saturday. (We decided this.)
- For Predictions Based on Present Evidence: When you see or know something now that tells you what will happen.
- Look at the sky! It's going to snow. (You see dark clouds, it's cold.)
- Oh no! He's going to fall! (You see him losing his balance.)
| Subject | Verb 'to be' | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I | am ('m) | I'm going to read a book. |
| He / She / It | is ('s) | She's going to cook dinner. |
| You / We / They | are ('re) | We're going to watch a movie. |
Examples
- I am going to meet my friends after school.
- She is going to start a new job next week.
- We are not going to buy that expensive car.
- Are you going to help me with my homework?
- It's very cloudy. It's going to rain soon.
- My brother is going to learn to play the guitar.
Practice
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Chat with an Advisor on WhatsAppCommon mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish speakers sometimes make mistakes with be going to because of direct translation from Spanish.
- Forgetting the verb 'to be': In Spanish, you might say "Voy a estudiar." In English, you MUST include am, is, or are.
- Incorrect: I going to study.
- Correct: I am going to study.
- Forgetting 'to' after 'going': The word to is part of the structure going to.
- Incorrect: She is going play tennis.
- Correct: She is going to play tennis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main use of 'be going to'?
The main use of be going to is to talk about plans and intentions that you have already decided. For example, I am going to visit my family this weekend.
Can I use 'be going to' for predictions?
Yes, you can use be going to for predictions, but only when you have clear evidence now. For example, Look at the dark sky! It's going to storm.
Is 'going to' the same as 'will'?
No, they are not always the same. For A1 level, remember that be going to is for plans you already made or predictions with evidence. Will is often for decisions made at the moment of speaking or general predictions without strong evidence.
Can I use contractions with 'be going to'?
Yes, it is very common to use contractions, especially in spoken English. For example, I'm going to, He's going to, They're going to.
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