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English (US) • Level 1 • GRAMMAR

I'm going to

💡 Grammar Rule

Using be going to to Talk About the Future

1. Formation

The structure is: subject + be (am/is/are) + going to + base verb.

  • I am going to eat later. (I plan to eat.)
  • She is going to call you. (She intends to call.)
  • They are going to study tonight. (They plan to study.)

Negative form: subject + be + not + going to + base verb.

  • He is not going to go out. (He doesn’t intend to go out.)

Question form: Be + subject + going to + base verb?

  • Are you going to travel next week? (Do you plan to travel?)

2. Uses

A. Planned future actions

Use be going to when the decision was made before the moment of speaking.

  • I’m going to start a new course. (I decided earlier.)

B. Intentions

Use it to express what you intend or want to do.

  • We’re going to visit our friends. (That is our intention.)

C. Predictions based on evidence

Use it when you see signs that something is about to happen.

  • Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain. (There is visible evidence.)

D. The immediate future

Use it for events that will happen soon.

  • Hurry! The movie is going to start. (It will start very soon.)
What are you going to do later?
I’m going to cook dinner.
Are you going to go out tonight?
No, I’m not going to go out.
When is he going to call?
He’s going to call in a minute.
Isn’t she going to come to the meeting?
She’s not going to come today.
Where are you going to go?
We’re going to walk to the park.
Aren’t you going to study now?
We’re not going to study right now.
Are they going to help?
They’re going to help later.
Aren’t they going to play today?
They’re not going to play today.
What are you going to buy?
I’m going to buy some fruit.
Aren’t you going to take an umbrella?
I’m not going to take an umbrella.
Is he going to start now?
He is going to start soon.
Isn’t Will going to rest?
No, he is not going to rest.
What is Laurie going to do?
She is going to read a book.
Isn’t she going to study?
She is not going to study today.
Are we going to arrive on time?
Yes, we are going to arrive early.
Aren’t we going to eat now?
No, we are not going to eat yet.
Are they going to travel tomorrow?
Yes, they are going to travel tomorrow.
Aren’t they going to come back?
They are not going to come back.
What are you going to say?
I am going to say the truth.
Aren’t you going to call?
I am not going to call now.

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