Mastering “Going to”: A Comprehensive Guide to Future Tense

Understanding how to use “going to” is crucial for expressing future plans, intentions, and predictions in English. This seemingly simple phrase plays a significant role in conveying your thoughts about what will happen.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering “going to” will enhance your ability to communicate effectively about future events. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using “going to” correctly, complete with detailed explanations, examples, and practice exercises.

This guide is perfect for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. Native English speakers who want to brush up on their grammar will also find it useful.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of the nuances of “going to” and be able to use it confidently in your speaking and writing.

Table of Contents

• Definition of “Going to”
• Structural Breakdown
• Uses of “Going to”
  • Expressing Future Plans and Intentions
  • Making Predictions Based on Evidence
  • Expressing Imminent Actions
• Examples of “Going to” in Sentences
  • Examples for Future Plans and Intentions
  • Examples for Predictions Based on Evidence
  • Examples for Imminent Actions
• Usage Rules of “Going to”
• Common Mistakes When Using “Going to”
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of “Going to”

“Going to” is a common English construction used to express future actions or events. It is classified as a semi-auxiliary verb because it combines the auxiliary verb “to be” (am, is, are, was, were) with the infinitive form of the verb “go” followed by “to” and then the base form of the main verb. Its primary function is to indicate future intentions, plans, or predictions based on present evidence. The phrase “going to” helps to specify what the speaker believes will happen in the future, whether it’s something they intend to do or something they foresee based on current circumstances.

The use of “going to” sets a specific tone and context for future actions. Unlike other future tenses (like “will”), “going to” often implies a prior decision or a visible reason for the prediction. This makes it a powerful tool for conveying not just what will happen, but also why the speaker believes it will happen. In essence, “going to” provides a bridge between the present and the future, connecting current conditions with anticipated outcomes.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure of sentences using “going to” follows a consistent pattern:

Subject + Auxiliary Verb (to be) + going to + Base Form of Verb

Let’s break this down further:

• Subject: The person or thing performing the action (e.g., I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
• Auxiliary Verb (to be): This verb must agree with the subject in number and tense. The present tense forms are am (for I), is (for he/she/it), and are (for you/we/they). The past tense forms are was (for I/he/she/it) and were (for you/we/they). While “going to” primarily refers to the future, using “was/were going to” refers to a plan or intention that was not fulfilled.
• going to: This phrase remains constant and links the auxiliary verb to the action.
• Base Form of Verb: The infinitive form of the verb without “to” (e.g., eat, play, study, work).

Here’s a table showing how the structure changes depending on the subject:

Subject	Auxiliary Verb	Going to	Base Form of Verb	Example
I	am	going to	travel	I am going to travel to Europe next year.
You	are	going to	study	You are going to study hard for the exam.
He	is	going to	play	He is going to play soccer this afternoon.
She	is	going to	work	She is going to work late tonight.
It	is	going to	rain	It is going to rain tomorrow.
We	are	going to	eat	We are going to eat dinner at a restaurant.
They	are	going to	visit	They are going to visit their grandparents.

For negative sentences, insert “not” after the auxiliary verb:

Subject + Auxiliary Verb (to be) + not + going to + Base Form of Verb

For example: “I am not going to eat that.” “They are not going to come to the party.” “She is not going to study tonight.”

For questions, invert the subject and the auxiliary verb:

Auxiliary Verb (to be) + Subject + going to + Base Form of Verb?

For example: “Are you going to eat that?” “Is he going to play soccer?” “Are they going to visit their grandparents?”

Uses of “Going to”

“Going to” is primarily used in three main contexts:

Expressing Future Plans and Intentions

This is perhaps the most common use of “going to.” It indicates that someone has made a decision or has an intention to do something in the future. It suggests a level of commitment or certainty about the future action.

This usage often implies that the plan has been made before the moment of speaking.

For example: “I am going to learn Spanish next year.” (This implies a decision has been made to learn Spanish.) “We are going to buy a new car.” (This suggests the family has decided to purchase a new car.) “She is going to apply for that job.” (This indicates her intention to submit an application.)

Making Predictions Based on Evidence

“Going to” is also used to make predictions about the future when there is present evidence to support the prediction. The evidence can be something visible or something known to the speaker.

This type of prediction is based on observation rather than pure speculation.

For example: “Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain.” (The dark clouds are the evidence.) “She is studying very hard.

She is going to pass the exam.” (Her hard work is the evidence.) “The economy is improving. The stock market is going to rise.” (The improving economy is the evidence.)

Expressing Imminent Actions

Sometimes, “going to” is used to describe actions that are about to happen very soon, often in the immediate future. This usage emphasizes the immediacy of the action.

For example: “The movie is going to start.” (The movie is starting very soon.) “The bomb is going to explode!” (The explosion is imminent and dangerous.) “I am going to sneeze!” (The speaker feels a sneeze coming on.)

Examples of “Going to” in Sentences

To further illustrate the uses of “going to,” here are several examples categorized by the contexts discussed above.

Examples for Future Plans and Intentions

The following table provides examples of sentences where “going to” is used to express future plans and intentions. Note how each sentence indicates a pre-existing decision or intention.

Sentence	Explanation
I am going to visit my family next month.	Indicates a planned trip to see family.
We are going to renovate our kitchen next summer.	Shows a planned home improvement project.
He is going to start a new job on Monday.	Indicates a confirmed start date for a new job.
She is going to learn how to play the guitar.	Expresses her intention to take guitar lessons.
They are going to move to a new city next year.	Shows their plan to relocate to a different city.
You are going to love this movie!	Expresses a confident prediction based on prior knowledge.
The company is going to launch a new product soon.	Indicates a planned product release.
I am going to exercise more regularly this year.	Shows a personal commitment to fitness.
We are going to have a party to celebrate our anniversary.	Indicates a planned celebration event.
He is going to ask her to marry him.	Expresses his intention to propose marriage.
She is going to write a book about her travels.	Shows her plan to document her travel experiences.
They are going to build a new house on that land.	Indicates their plan to construct a new home.
I am going to bake a cake for his birthday.	Shows a planned baking activity for a special occasion.
We are going to adopt a puppy from the shelter.	Indicates a decision to adopt a pet.
He is going to run a marathon next spring.	Shows his commitment to training for a marathon.
She is going to volunteer at the local hospital.	Expresses her intention to offer her services.
They are going to invest in renewable energy.	Indicates their plan to support sustainable practices.
You are going to feel much better after a good night’s sleep.	Expresses a confident prediction based on experience.
The team is going to work on improving their performance.	Indicates a planned effort to enhance their skills.
I am going to spend my vacation relaxing on the beach.	Shows a planned relaxing vacation activity.
We are going to attend the conference in New York.	Indicates a planned attendance at a conference.
He is going to learn to cook Italian cuisine.	Shows his intention to acquire culinary skills.
She is going to start her own business.	Expresses her plan to become an entrepreneur.
They are going to donate to a charity organization.	Indicates their intention to support a cause.
You are going to have a fantastic time at the party.	Expresses a confident prediction based on the party’s reputation.

Examples for Predictions Based on Evidence

The following table provides examples of sentences where “going to” is used to make predictions based on present evidence. Notice how each prediction is supported by something currently observable or known.

Sentence	Evidence
Look at all those cars! There is going to be a lot of traffic.	The large number of cars on the road.
She has been practicing every day. She is going to win the competition.	Her consistent and dedicated practice.
The price of gas is rising. It is going to cost more to drive.	The increasing price of gasoline.
The chef added too much salt. This dish is going to taste awful.	The excessive amount of salt added.
The weather forecast predicts sunshine. It is going to be a beautiful day.	The reliable weather forecast.
The company is innovating rapidly. They are going to dominate the market.	The company’s fast pace of innovation.
The team is playing very well. They are going to score more goals.	The team’s strong performance on the field.
The economy is growing steadily. Interest rates are going to increase.	The consistent growth of the economy.
The flowers haven’t been watered. They are going to die soon.	The lack of water for the flowers.
The students studied diligently. They are going to get good grades.	The students’ hard work and preparation.
The cake is burning in the oven. It is going to be ruined.	The cake’s burning smell and appearance.
The roads are icy. There are going to be accidents.	The dangerous icy conditions on the roads.
The baby is crying loudly. He is going to wake up the neighbors.	The baby’s loud crying.
The concert is sold out. There are going to be many people.	The fact that all tickets have been sold.
The new software is bug-ridden. It is going to crash frequently.	The presence of numerous bugs in the software.
The politician is making promises. He is going to break them later.	The politician’s history of broken promises.
The athlete is in top form. She is going to set a new record.	The athlete’s excellent physical condition.
The restaurant is always crowded. It is going to be hard to get a table.	The restaurant’s consistent popularity.
The old bridge is deteriorating. It is going to collapse eventually.	The bridge’s visible signs of decay.
The project is over budget. It is going to be delayed.	The project’s financial difficulties.
The demand for electric cars is increasing. The prices are going to fall.	The increasing popularity of electric cars.
The company is investing heavily in research. They are going to make breakthroughs.	The company’s significant investment.
The soil is fertile. The crops are going to thrive.	The high quality of the soil.
The team has a strong defense. They are going to win the championship.	The team’s excellent defensive capabilities.
The movie has received rave reviews. It is going to be a box office hit.	The overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Examples for Imminent Actions

The following table provides examples of sentences where “going to” is used to express actions that are about to happen very soon. These sentences highlight the immediacy of the impending events.

Sentence	Explanation
The train is going to leave the station.	The train is about to depart.
The show is going to begin in a few minutes.	The performance is about to start.
The sun is going to set soon.	The sun is almost at the horizon.
The popcorn is going to burn if you don’t take it out.	The popcorn is on the verge of burning.
I am going to fall if I don’t hold on.	The speaker is about to lose balance.
The volcano is going to erupt!	The eruption is imminent and dangerous.
The bomb is going to explode any second now.	The explosion is about to happen.
I am going to faint if I don’t sit down.	The speaker feels faint and needs to sit.
The bell is going to ring.	The bell is about to sound.
The meeting is going to start.	The meeting is about to commence.
The game is going to start shortly.	The game is about to begin.
The food is going to get cold.	The food is about to lose its warmth.
The baby is going to cry.	The baby is about to start crying.
The elevator is going to open.	The elevator doors are about to open.
The lecture is going to finish.	The lecture is nearing its end.
The storm is going to hit the coast.	The storm is about to reach the shoreline.
The coffee is going to spill.	The coffee is on the verge of spilling.
The balloon is going to pop.	The balloon is about to burst.
The presentation is going to end.	The presentation is nearing its conclusion.
The concert is going to start any minute.	The concert is about to begin.
The oven timer is going to go off.	The timer is about to sound.
The screen is going to go black.	The screen is about to turn off.
The lights are going to dim.	The lights are about to become less bright.
The program is going to update.	The software is about to initiate an update.
The website is going to crash.	The website is about to become unavailable.

Usage Rules of “Going to”

There are several key rules to remember when using “going to”:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure that the auxiliary verb “to be” agrees with the subject. I am, you are, he/she/it is, we are, they are.
2. Correct Word Order: Follow the correct structure: Subject + Auxiliary Verb + going to + Base Form of Verb.
3. Avoiding Redundancy: Do not use “going to” with verbs that already express future intent, like “plan,” “intend,” or “decide.” For example, instead of saying “I am planning to going to visit Paris,” say “I am planning to visit Paris.”
4. Distinction from “Will”: While both “going to” and “will” can express future actions, “going to” is typically used for planned actions or predictions based on evidence, while “will” is often used for spontaneous decisions, offers, or general predictions.
5. Contractions: “Going to” is often contracted in informal speech and writing. “I am going to” becomes “I’m going to,” “You are going to” becomes “You’re going to,” “He/She/It is going to” becomes “He’s/She’s/It’s going to,” and “They/We are going to” becomes “They’re/We’re going to.”
6. Past Intentions: To express an intention that was not fulfilled, use “was/were going to.” For example, “I was going to call you, but I forgot.”

Special Cases and Exceptions:

• When expressing a very formal or distant future, “will” might be preferred over “going to,” even for planned events.
• In some dialects, “gonna” is used as a very informal contraction of “going to.” While common in spoken English, it is generally avoided in formal writing.

Common Mistakes When Using “Going to”

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “going to”:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I is going to go.	I am going to go.	Subject-verb agreement error. “I” requires “am.”
She are going to study.	She is going to study.	Subject-verb agreement error. “She” requires “is.”
They is going to arrive.	They are going to arrive.	Subject-verb agreement error. “They” requires “are.”
I am plan to going to travel.	I am planning to travel.	Redundancy. Avoid using “plan” and “going to” together.
He is decide to going to leave.	He has decided to leave.	Redundancy. Avoid using “decide” and “going to” together.
We are intend to going to help.	We intend to help.	Redundancy. Avoid using “intend” and “going to” together.
I going to eat.	I am going to eat.	Missing auxiliary verb “am.”
She going to dance.	She is going to dance.	Missing auxiliary verb “is.”
They going to sing.	They are going to sing.	Missing auxiliary verb “are.”
Are you going eat?	Are you going to eat?	Missing “to” before the base form of the verb.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “going to” with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “going to” and the verb in parentheses.

Question	Answer
1. I ______ (visit) my grandmother tomorrow.	1. I am going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.
2. She ______ (study) abroad next semester.	2. She is going to study abroad next semester.
3. They ______ (buy) a new house soon.	3. They are going to buy a new house soon.
4. He ______ (play) basketball this afternoon.	4. He is going to play basketball this afternoon.
5. We ______ (watch) a movie tonight.	5. We are going to watch a movie tonight.
6. It ______ (rain) tomorrow, according to the forecast.	6. It is going to rain tomorrow, according to the forecast.
7. You ______ (love) this book!	7. You are going to love this book!
8. The company ______ (launch) a new product next month.	8. The company is going to launch a new product next month.
9. I ______ (exercise) more regularly this year.	9. I am going to exercise more regularly this year.
10. She ______ (apply) for that job.	10. She is going to apply for that job.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using “going to.”

Question	Answer
1. I plan to travel to Italy next year.	1. I am going to travel to Italy next year.
2. She intends to learn French.	2. She is going to learn French.
3. They have decided to sell their car.	3. They are going to sell their car.
4. He is planning to ask her out.	4. He is going to ask her out.
5. We intend to visit the museum.	5. We are going to visit the museum.
6. It looks like it will snow tonight.	6. It is going to snow tonight.
7. She plans on writing a novel.	7. She is going to write a novel.
8. They have decided to adopt a child.	8. They are going to adopt a child.
9. He intends to run a marathon.	9. He is going to run a marathon.
10. We are planning to have a picnic.	10. We are going to have a picnic.

Exercise 3: Correct the errors in the following sentences. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct.”

Question	Answer
1. I is going to study.	1. I am going to study.
2. She are going to travel.	2. She is going to travel.
3. They is going to arrive.	3. They are going to arrive.
4. We am going to eat.	4. We are going to eat.
5. He are going to play.	5. He is going to play.
6. I am plan to going to visit Paris.	6. I am planning to visit Paris.
7. She is decide to going to leave.	7. She has decided to leave.
8. We are intend to going to help.	8. We intend to help.
9. I going to eat.	9. I am going to eat.
10. She going to dance.	10. She is going to dance.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of using “going to”:

• Subtleties in Nuance: Explore the subtle differences in meaning between “going to” and other future tenses like “will” and the present continuous used for future arrangements.
• Use in Complex Sentences: Analyze how “going to” functions within complex sentences, including conditional clauses and relative clauses.
• Regional Variations: Investigate any regional variations in the usage of “going to” in different English-speaking countries.
• Historical Context: Research the historical development of the “going to” construction and its evolution over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about using “going to”:

1. What is the difference between “going to” and “will”?

   “Going to” is generally used for planned actions or predictions based on present evidence, while “will” is often used for spontaneous decisions, offers, or general predictions. For example, “I am going to study tonight” implies a pre-existing plan, while “I will help you with that” is a spontaneous offer.

2. Can I use “going to” for past intentions?

   Yes, you can use “was/were going to” to express an intention that was not fulfilled. For example, “I was going to call you, but I forgot.”

3. Is it okay to use “gonna” instead of “going to”?

   “Gonna” is a very informal contraction of “going to” and is common in spoken English. However, it is generally avoided in formal writing.

4. How do I form questions with “going to”?

   To form questions, invert the subject and the auxiliary verb “to be.” For example, “Are you going to eat that?” “Is he going to play soccer?”

5. How do I make negative sentences with “going to”?

   To make negative sentences, insert “not” after the auxiliary verb “to be.” For example, “I am not going to eat that.” “They are not going to come to the party.”

6. What if I want to express a future action that is very far in the future?

   While “going to” can be used for actions far in the future, “will” might be preferred in more formal contexts or when emphasizing the uncertainty of the event. For example, “I will be retired in 40 years” sounds more natural than “I am going to be retired in 40 years.”

7. Can “going to” be used to describe past events?

   No, “going to” is primarily used to describe future events. To talk about past events, you would use the past tense or other past tense constructions.

8. Is it correct to say “I am planning to going to…”?

   No, this is redundant. It’s better to say “I am planning to…” or “I am going to…” but not both together.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “going to” is essential for expressing future plans, intentions, and predictions in English. By understanding its structure, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively about future events.

Remember to pay attention to subject-verb agreement, avoid redundancy, and distinguish between “going to” and “will” to ensure accuracy and clarity in your speech and writing.

Continue practicing with the exercises provided and pay attention to how native speakers use “going to” in real-life conversations and written materials. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll become confident in using “going to” to express your thoughts and plans about the future.

Keep exploring the nuances of English grammar to further enhance your language proficiency.