Grammar » A1 Grammar lessons and exercises » Be going to – plans and predictions
Exercises Explanation Downloads
  • Be going to – plans and predictions

    Exercise 1

    Use the verbs in brackets to complete these sentences with be going to affirmative or negative.

    1 I (borrow) some books from the library today.

    2 He (not pay) your money back.

    3 The drone is out of control. It (crash)!

    4 They aren't playing well. They (not win) the match.

    5 We (have) a picnic tomorrow.

    6 She (fly) to New York next week.

    7 You can take the newspaper. I (not read) it.

    8 I need to tell you something, but you (not believe) me.

    9 Look at the sun! It (be) a beautiful day.

    10 I (not argue) with you.


     

  • Be going to – Grammar chart

    Grammar chart detailing the use of 'be going to' for future plans and predictions in positive, negative, question, and short answer formats.

    Download full-size image from Pinterest

    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
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