Explanation
Be going to – Grammar chart
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Be going to – Form
Be going to consists of the present continuous of the verb go (I’m going, you are going, etc.) + to infinitive form of the main verb.
When the main verb is go
When the main verb is go, we can exclude it if we want.
- I’m going shopping this afternoon. (=I’m going to go shopping this afternoon.)
- We are going to Cyprus next summer. (=We are going to go to Cyprus next summer. )
Be going to – use
Predictions
We use be going to to talk about something that we see is going to happen (there is present evidence).
- Don’t drive like a crazy man. We’re going to have an accident!
- The doctor said I’m going to have a girl.
- Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain.
Intentions or plans
We use be going to for intentions or plans (decisions taken before the moment of speaking).
- ‘Why are you undressing?’ ‘Because I’m going to go for a swim.’
- We are going to have a drink after work. Do you want to come?
Future time expressions
We often use be going to with future time expressions (tomorrow, next week, etc.).
- We are going to play cards tonight.
- She’s going to study biology next year.
