Going To Future

Express plans, intentions and predictions based on present evidence

What is Going To Future?

"Going to" is your planning tense! Use it when you've already decided to do something, when you can see signs that something will happen, or when you're talking about intentions. Unlike "will" (which is spontaneous), "going to" shows that you've thought about it in advance.

Picture this: "I'm going to quit my job" = you've already decided, maybe told people, made plans. "I'll quit my job" = you just decided this second. "Going to" carries weight and preparation; "will" is light and immediate.

When to Use

1. Plans and Intentions (Already Decided)

Use "going to" for decisions made before the moment of speaking.

I am going to study medicine next year. (already decided)
We are going to buy a new car soon.
She is going to travel around Europe this summer.
They are going to get married in June.
He is going to start his own business.
I am going to learn Spanish this year.

2. Predictions Based on Present Evidence

Use "going to" when you can see signs that something will happen.

Look at those dark clouds. It is going to rain. (you can see evidence)
Watch out! You are going to fall!
The economy is going to crash. (based on current signs)
She didn't study. She is going to fail the exam.
He's driving too fast. He is going to have an accident.
Look at the time! We are going to be late!

3. Strong Intentions or Determination

Use "going to" to emphasize that you're determined to do something.

I am going to win this competition!
We are going to succeed, no matter what.
She is going to prove everyone wrong.
They are going to make it happen.
I am not going to give up!

4. Questions About Plans

Use "going to" to ask about someone's plans or intentions.

What are you going to do this weekend?
Are you going to attend the meeting?
Where are they going to stay?
When is she going to arrive?
How are you going to solve this problem?

Formation

Positive Form: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb

I am going to study tonight.
You are going to love this.
He is going to call you.
She is going to be a doctor.
It is going to be difficult.
We are going to win!
They are going to move to London.

Contractions (Common in Speaking):

I am going to → I'm gonna (very informal speech)
You are going to → You're gonna
He/She/It is going to → He's gonna
We/They are going to → We're gonna

Negative Form: Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base verb

I am not going to go to the party.
You aren't going to believe this.
He isn't going to come.
She isn't going to help us.
It isn't going to work.
We aren't going to wait any longer.
They aren't going to agree.

Question Form: Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base verb?

Are you going to join us?
Is she going to apply for the job?
Are they going to move?
What are you going to do?
When is he going to arrive?
Where are you going to live?

Common Mistakes

❌ I going to study. → ✅ I am going to study. (need am/is/are)
❌ She is going study. → ✅ She is going to study. (need "to")
❌ They are going to studies. → ✅ They are going to study. (base form after "to")
❌ He is go to work. → ✅ He is going to work.
❌ I am going to going home. → ✅ I am going to go home.
❌ Are you going study? → ✅ Are you going to study?
❌ We are going to ate dinner. → ✅ We are going to eat dinner.

Going To vs. Will

Use "Going To":

✅ Plans decided before now: "I'm going to visit my parents." (already planned)
✅ Predictions with evidence: "Look at those clouds! It's going to rain." (you can see it)
✅ Strong intentions: "I'm going to quit smoking!" (determined)

Use "Will":

✅ Spontaneous decisions: "The phone's ringing. I'll answer it." (deciding now)
✅ Predictions/opinions: "I think it will rain tomorrow." (just your opinion)
✅ Promises/offers: "I'll help you with that." (offering now)

Practice Tips

📅 Plans = Going To: If you've already made plans or decisions, use "going to." If someone asks "What are your plans for the weekend?" answer with "I'm going to..."
👀 Evidence = Going To: If you can SEE or KNOW something will happen based on the current situation, use "going to." Look/Watch out/Be careful often come with "going to."
⚡ Spontaneous = Will: If you're deciding right now while speaking, use "will." The phone rings → "I'll get it!" (decided this instant)
🗣️ "Gonna" in speech: Native speakers say "gonna" in casual conversation, but ALWAYS write "going to" in formal contexts, emails, essays.
✍️ Weekend plans: Write 10 sentences about your future plans using "going to": "This weekend, I'm going to...", "Next month, I'm going to...", "Next year, I'm going to..."