Introduction
We use 'going to' to talk about future plans and predictions based on present evidence. Here are some examples: 'I'm going to visit Paris next month', 'Look at those dark clouds – it's going to rain', 'She's going to start a new job in December'.
Structure and Formation
The basic structure is: subject + be (am/is/are) + going to + base verb, e.g., 'They are going to buy a new house'. This shows how we combine 'be' with 'going to' and the main verb to talk about the future.
Main Uses
1. Future Plans: When we've already decided to do something, e.g., 'I'm going to learn Spanish next year'.
2. Predictions from Evidence: When we can see or know something will happen, e.g., 'The sky is dark. It's going to snow'.
3. Strong Intentions: When we're determined to do something, e.g., 'I'm going to finish this project today'.
2. Predictions from Evidence: When we can see or know something will happen, e.g., 'The sky is dark. It's going to snow'.
3. Strong Intentions: When we're determined to do something, e.g., 'I'm going to finish this project today'.
Examples
We're going to move to London next year.Shows a planned future action that has already been decided
Look at her face – she's going to cry!Shows a prediction based on present visual evidence
They're going to get married in June.Shows a planned future event that has been arranged
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: I go to visit my grandmother tomorrow.
✅ Correct: I'm going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.
Explanation: We need 'be + going to' for future plans, not just the present simple
❌ Incorrect: She going to study medicine.
✅ Correct: She's going to study medicine.
Explanation: Don't forget the form of 'be' (am/is/are) before 'going to'
Tips for Success
- Remember to always use a form of 'be' (am/is/are) before 'going to'
- Use this structure when you have evidence for your prediction
- This is different from 'will' which is often used for spontaneous decisions
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Basic structure of going to + infinitive
- Future plans and arrangements
- Evidence-based predictions