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Going To

Plans You've Actually Thought About

The "going to" future is for plans you've actually bothered to think about and intentions that aren't just wishful thinking. It's also for predictions based on present evidence - when you can see the writing on the wall.

The Formula (Don't Mess This Up):

am/is/are + going to + base verb

Use the correct form of 'be' + 'going to' + the base form of the main verb.

Subject Be + Going To Base Verb Example
I am going to study I am going to study tonight.
She/He/It is going to rain It is going to rain soon.
We/You/They are going to travel We are going to travel to Spain.

When to Use This Future Tense

1. Plans and Intentions:

  • "I'm going to learn Spanish next year." (You've actually decided)
  • "We're going to buy a new house." (Plans are in motion)
  • "She's going to quit her job." (Decision already made)

2. Predictions Based on Evidence:

  • "Look at those clouds! It's going to rain." (You can see the evidence)
  • "He's driving too fast. He's going to crash!" (Based on what you observe)
  • "The economy is going to collapse." (Based on current trends)

3. Something About to Happen:

  • "The train is going to leave in two minutes." (Imminent departure)
  • "I'm going to be sick." (You can feel it coming)
  • "The building is going to fall down." (It's clearly unstable)

Going To vs Will - The Eternal Struggle

Going To Will When to Use
I'm going to call him tonight. I'll call him tonight. Going to = planned; Will = spontaneous decision
It's going to rain. It will rain tomorrow. Going to = evidence-based; Will = general prediction
We're going to win! We will win! Going to = confident; Will = hopeful

Don't Be a Plonker - Common Mistakes

❌ Wrong:

  • "I going to study." (Missing 'am', you muppet!)
  • "She is going study." (Missing 'to')
  • "We are going to studying." (Don't add -ing to the main verb!)

✅ Right:

  • "I am going to study." (Complete structure)
  • "She is going to study." (Don't forget 'to')
  • "We are going to study." (Base form of main verb)

Practice Exercises (Make Some Real Plans)

Exercise 1: Complete with Going To

1. I (go) to the cinema tonight.
2. Look at those clouds! It (rain) soon.
3. We (visit) our grandparents this weekend.
4. She (start) university next year.

Exercise 2: Choose Going To or Will

1. A: "The phone is ringing." B: "I answer it." (spontaneous)
2. I learn French. I've already bought the books. (planned)
3. Watch out! You fall! (evidence-based)
4. I think it be sunny tomorrow. (prediction)

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Brilliant! Now you can talk about your plans like you've actually thought them through!