Be going to: A1 English Grammar exercises for making plans and predictions. Learn how to say “be going to” in English.
Be going to – Plans and Predictions
We talk about the future with “be going to.” There are two main ways to use it:
- Plans and intentions are when we’ve already made up our minds to do something.
- Predictions are when we believe something will happen in the future based on facts or our gut feelings.
Examples:
- I’m going to visit my grandparents next weekend. (plan)
- Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain soon. (prediction)
Form of “be going to”
Structure:
am / is / are + going to + base verb
| Subject | Be verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | am | I’m going to study. |
| You / We / They | are | We’re going to travel. |
| He / She / It | is | She’s going to call her friend. |
Examples:
- I’m going to learn English.
- He’s going to buy a new car.
- They’re going to visit London.
Negative form
To make it negative, add not after the verb “be.”
Structure:
am not / isn’t / aren’t + going to + verb
Examples:
- I’m not going to watch TV tonight.
- She isn’t going to eat pizza.
- They aren’t going to play football.
Question form
To make questions, put the verb be before the subject.
Structure:
Am / Is / Are + subject + going to + verb?
Examples:
- Are you going to study tonight?
- Is he going to call her?
- What are you going to do tomorrow?
Short answers:
- Yes, I am. / No, I’m not.
- Yes, she is. / No, she isn’t.
When to use “be going to”
A. Future plans or intentions
We say “be going to” when we have already made up our minds to do something.
Examples:
- I’m going to start a new job next month.
- We’re going to visit our friends this weekend.
B. Predictions
We often say “be going to” when we can see proof of what we think will happen in the future.
Examples:
- Look at the sky! It’s going to rain.
- She’s studying a lot; she’s going to pass the exam.
Summary Table
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Plans / Intentions | I’m going to call my friend. |
| Predictions | It’s going to snow tonight. |
| Negative | I’m not going to watch TV. |
| Question | Are you going to travel next week? |
Common Mistakes
I going to eat. → I’m going to eat.
She going to play. → She’s going to play.
They not going to come. → They aren’t going to come.
Quick practice
Try writing your own sentences:
- I’m going to ___________ tomorrow.
- It’s going to ___________ soon.
