Future Using Be Going To

We use be going to to talk about the future. It is used when we already have a future plan or intention, or when we can see evidence now that something will happen.

Look at the examples:

I am going to study Spanish next year.
= This is my plan. I have already decided.
They are going to buy a new house.
= They have the intention to do it in the future.
Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.
= I can see something (a prove) now that shows what will probably happen.

How to form it

The structure is: be + going to + verb (basic form)

	Structure	Example
+ sentence	subject + am/is/are going to + verb	She is going to travel.
- sentence	subject + am not/isn't/aren't going to + verb	We aren't going to stay.
? question	*Am/Is/Are* + subject + going to + verb?	Are you going to come?

For short answers, use the correct form of be:

Are you going to study? – Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.
Is he going to call? – Yes, he is. / No, he isn't.
Are they going to help? – Yes, they are. / No, they aren't.

Be going to or present continuous?

Both forms can talk about future plans. We often use the present continuous when the plan is a fixed arrangement with a specific time, place, or person.

I am going to visit Anna soon.
= a future intention or plan
I am visiting Anna at six tomorrow.
= a fixed arrangement

Quick reference

Plan or intention: something already decided
I am going to learn Spanish.
Prediction from evidence: we can see a reason now
It is going to rain.
Structure: be + going to + verb
They are going to travel.