Future with going to
Definition
Am / is / are going to + base verb describes future intentions or plans that already exist. It also makes predictions based on present evidence.
subject + am / is / are going to + base verb
Examples
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We are going to move in September.
The move is an existing future plan.
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I am going to start a photography course.
The speaker has already formed the intention.
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Look at those clouds. It is going to rain.
The prediction is based on visible present evidence.
Going to vs. will
I am going to cook pasta tonight.
The plan existed before the sentence was spoken.
The doorbell is ringing. I will answer it.
The decision is made immediately in response to the situation.
Going to commonly presents a prior plan or evidence-based prediction. Will commonly presents a new decision, offer or opinion-based prediction.
The past form describes an earlier intention
Was / were going to refers to a plan or expectation held at an earlier time. The sentence may then show that the plan changed or did not happen.
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I was going to call you, but I lost your number.
The intention existed, but the call did not happen.
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They were going to travel by train, but the service was cancelled.
A past plan was changed by later circumstances.
Common mistakes
She going to buy a new laptop.
She is going to buy a new laptop.
The structure needs the correct form of be.
We are going to moving next week.
We are going to move next week.
Going to is followed by the base verb.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly describes an existing plan?
The structure is are going to + base verb: are going to visit.Which sentence correctly makes a prediction from present evidence?
The visible situation supports the prediction, and the form is is going to fall.Which sentence correctly describes a past intention that changed?
The past form is was going to + base verb.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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