Going to-future

When do we use the going to-future?

The going to-future is one future tense. There are other future tenses, e.g. will-future, Present Progressive, Future Progressive/Continuous and Simple Present.

Use of the going to-future

1. planned actions in the future

Here we talk about intentions, or a decision that has already been made for the immediate future

  • We are going to get a new car soon.
  • I am going to buy somethings at the shops. Do you need anything?

2. You are certain that something is going to happen in the future.

Here we make a prediction about the future based on present evidence

  • Look at those black clouds! It is going to rain soon.
  • She is going to have a baby.

3. Signal words

There are no unambiguous signal words for this tense, although anything with a future meaning can be used, i.e: tomorrow, next year, later on etc.,

4. Form

to be (am, are, is) + going to + infinitive

5. Examples

5.1. Affirmative sentences in the going to-future

Long forms Contracted forms
I am going to play tennis. I‘m going to play tennis.
You are going to play tennis. You‘re going to play tennis.

5.2. Negative sentences in the going to-future

Long forms Contracted forms
I am not going to play tennis. I‘m not going to play tennis.
You are not going to play tennis. You‘re not going to play tennis.
You aren’t going to play tennis.

5.3. Questions in the going to-future

Long forms Contracted forms
Am I going to play tennis? not possible
Are you going to play tennis?

TAKE CARE!!

Do not mix up with the Present Continuous!

going to-future Present Continuous
He‘s going to play tennis. He‘s playing tennis.

Exercises