MNW English Grammar » Verbs & Tenses » Future with 'Be going to'
Future with 'Be going to'
FUTURE WITH GOING TO
1. Future with Going to - form
This form is composed of three elements: the appropriate form of the verb 'to be' + going to + the infinitive of the main verb:
| Subject | 'to be' | going to | infinitive |
|
She |
is |
going to |
leave |
2. Future with Going to - function
The use of 'going to' to refer to future events suggests a very strong association with the present. The time is not important - it is later than now, but the attitude is that the event depends on a present situation, that we know about. So it is used:
- to refer to our plans and intentions:
We're going to move to London next year. (= the plan is in our minds now.) - to make predictions based on present evidence:
Look at those clouds - it's going to pour with rain! (= It's clear from what I can see now.)
Note: In everyday speech, 'going to' is often shortened to 'gonna', especially in American English.
Plans and intentions:
- Is Freddy going to buy a new car soon?
- Are John and Pam going to visit Milan when they are in Italy?
- I think Nigel and Mary are going to have a party next week.
Predictions based on present evidence:
- There's going to be a terrible accident!
- He's going to be a brilliant politician.
- I'm going to have terrible indigestion.
NOTE: It is unusual to say 'I'm going to go to...'
Instead, we use 'going to' + a place or event:
Examples
- We are going to the beach tomorrow.
- She is going to the ballet tonight.
- Are you going to the party tomorrow night?
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