🚀 Be Going To – Form & Use
🔧 Form
Be going to consists of the present continuous of go + to-infinitive of the main verb:
I am / you are / he is going to + verbWhen the main verb is “go”, you can omit the first “go”:
- I’m going shopping this afternoon.
(= I’m going to go shopping.) - We’re going to Cyprus next summer.
(= We’re going to go to Cyprus.)
✅ Positive
Subject + am/is/are + going to + verb
- I’m going to study tonight.
- She’s going to call you.
❌ Negative
Subject + am not/isn’t/aren’t + going to + verb
- I’m not going to miss it.
- They aren’t going to win.
❓ Question
Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + verb?
- Am I going to see you?
- Are they going to join us?
🗣️ Short Answers
- Yes, I am. / No, I’m not.
- Yes, he is. / No, he isn’t.
📚 Use
- 🔮 Predictions (present evidence):
Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain. - 🎯 Intentions / Plans (decided before speaking):
I’m going to have a drink after work. - ⏳ Future time expressions: often with tomorrow, next week, etc.
She’s going to study biology next year.
💡 Tip: Use be going to for clear predictions and pre-made plans.
Exercises:
Be going to: Plans and predictions
Use the verbs in brackets to complete these sentences with
be going to affirmative or negative.
1
I (start) my new job next Monday.
2
They (move) to Barcelona this summer.
3
He (not attend) the conference next week.
4
She (visit) the art gallery on Saturday.
5
We (not buy) a new car this year.
6
It (rain) later this afternoon.
7
(you/finish) that report by tomorrow morning?
8
The kids (not participate) in the talent show.
9
The train (leave) at 9 p.m. sharp.
10
I (not eat) out tonight; I’ll cook at home.
Be going to: Plans and predictions
Use the words in brackes to write questions using be going to.
1
(they/join) the meeting tomorrow?
2
(you/bring) snacks to the party?
3
(we/need) more chairs for the event?
4
(he/apply) for the job?
5
(it/rain) this evening?
6
(she/graduate) from college next year?
7
(you/visit) your grandparents next weekend?
8
(they/organize) a fundraiser?
9
(we/finish) the project by Friday?
10
(you/take) your car to the mechanic?
Be going to: Plans and predictions
Complete this email with the affirmative, negative or interrogative forms of be going to. Use the words in brackets.
Hi Alex,
I hope you’re well. I’ve been thinking about next weekend’s trip, so I need to sort out a few things.
1
(you/bring) your camera?
2
(I/rent) a car on Friday morning.
3
(the weather/be) nice on Saturday?
4
(we/not stay) in the city – I booked a cottage in the mountains.
5
(they/meet) us at the petrol station around 10 a.m.
6
(I/not pack) heavy luggage; just a backpack.
7
(we/stop) for lunch on the way?
8
(she/prepare) sandwiches for the journey.
9
(I/call) you tonight to confirm the final details.
10
(you/need) me to pick you up at the station?
Looking forward to our adventure!
Best,
Emily
Emily