Be going to
Talk about plans and make predictions from present evidence with be going to.
Explanation
The phrase "be going to" is used in English to express plans and predictions about future events. It is formed by using the appropriate form of the verb "be" (am, is, are) followed by the phrase "going to" and the infinitive form of the main verb.
Plans: When using "be going to" to talk about plans, we are referring to intended or premeditated actions that the speaker has already decided or arranged to do. Here are some examples:
- I am going to travel to Europe next month.
- They are going to have a party on Saturday.
- She is going to study medicine in college.
In these examples, the speaker has made a decision or arrangement to travel, have a party, and study medicine in the future.
Predictions: "Be going to" can also be used to express predictions based on current evidence or situations. In this case, we are talking about what we believe or expect will happen in the future. Here are some examples:
- It looks like it's going to rain later today, those clouds are very dark.
- I think he's going to win the competition, he's playing really well.
- They are going to be late for the meeting, there's a lot of traffic.
In these examples, the speaker is making predictions about the future based on observable evidence or personal belief.
It is important to note that "be going to" is often accompanied by adverbs or time expressions to provide more context or indicate the timeframe of the planned or predicted event. For example:
- We are going to visit our grandparents next week.
- She is definitely going to pass the exam.
Additionally, "be going to" can also be used in questions and negative forms by adding the appropriate form of the verb "be" and the word "not" before "going to". For example:
- Are you going to attend the party?
- They are not going to buy a new car.
- He is not going to win the race. He is exhausted!
Practice
Exercise 1
Choose the correct answer.
1. Are you going to ______ the new movie tomorrow?
2. They ______ to Paris next summer for a holiday.
3. We ______ a new house next year.
4. ______ you ______ the concert with us this evening?
5. He ______ his best friend after work today.
6. The weather forecast says it ______ heavily in the afternoon.
7. I think she ______ her exam because she studied hard.
8. The company ______ a new product next month.
9. They ______ a surprise party for their mum's birthday.
10. I'm sure he ______ the first prize in the singing competition.
Exercise 2