Premeditated Future Plans with 'Going to'
When we talk about future actions we've already decided on, we use 'going to'. Here are some immediate examples: 'I'm going to buy a new car next month', 'We're going to visit Paris in summer', 'She's going to start a new job in December'.
Structure and Formation
The structure is [be + going to + base verb], e.g., 'I am going to study medicine'. This shows how we express a decision that was made before the moment of speaking. The time of the future action can be specified: 'They are going to move house next spring'.
Time Indicators and Context
Premeditated future plans often include specific time references: tomorrow, next week, in June, this weekend. For example: 'We're going to celebrate our anniversary at that new restaurant next Friday' indicates both the plan and when it will happen.
Examples
I'm going to take driving lessons starting next month.Shows a decision already made about a future action with a specific start time
They're going to get married in Hawaii next summer.Indicates a planned future event with both location and timing decided
We're going to redecorate the house during the holidays.Demonstrates a planned project with a designated time frame
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: I go to buy a new phone tomorrow.
✅ Correct: I'm going to buy a new phone tomorrow.
Explanation: Present simple cannot be used for future plans; use 'going to' instead
❌ Incorrect: I going to travel to Spain.
✅ Correct: I'm going to travel to Spain.
Explanation: The auxiliary 'be' (am/is/are) is required in the structure
Tips for Success
- Always include the appropriate form of 'be' (am/is/are) before 'going to'
- Use specific time markers to make your future plans clearer
- Remember that 'going to' implies the decision was made before the moment of speaking
- This structure works well with both short-term and long-term future plans
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Builds on basic 'going to' structure from Page 1
- Expands on the distinction between planned decisions covered in Page 2
- Focuses specifically on premeditated future plans