Be Going To – Plans and Predictions

The structure be going to is used to talk about plans and predictions. It is an essential part of English Grammar at the A1 level, helping learners express intentions and future outcomes based on evidence. Let’s explore its usage step by step!

Structure

Be going to consists of:

• The verb be (am, is, are)
• Going to
• The base form of the main verb

Examples:

• I am going to visit my grandparents tomorrow.
• She is going to study medicine next year.
• He going to eat lunch. (Missing 'is')

Uses

1. Predictions

We use be going to to make predictions about the future based on present evidence.

• Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.
• It will rain because the sky is dark. (‘Will’ is incorrect when evidence is visible.)

2. Plans or Intentions

Use be going to to talk about plans made before the moment of speaking.

• We are going to visit France next summer.
• We will visit France next summer. (‘Will’ is less specific for planned actions.)

3. Future Time Expressions

Commonly used with future time expressions like tomorrow, next week, tonight, etc.

• I am going to start a new job next month.
• They are going to play football tomorrow evening.

Common Mistakes

• She going to the park. (Missing 'is')
• We are going to goes shopping. (Use the base form 'go')
• He is going to watch a movie tonight.

Practice Sentences

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of be going to:

• They __________ (visit) their grandparents next weekend.
• It __________ (rain) heavily. Look at those clouds!
• I __________ (not buy) that dress because it’s too expensive.

Quick Tips

• Always match the form of be with the subject (I am, you are, he/she/it is).
• Do not conjugate the verb after going to.
• Use context clues to decide if you’re describing a plan or making a prediction.