Be Going to – Plans and Predictions

Be going to - Exercises

These exercises focus on Be going to

What Does Be Going To Mean?

The phrase "be going to" is used to express two things:

1. Plans: Things you have already decided to do.

• Example: I am going to study English tonight.

2. Predictions: Things you think will happen based on evidence.

• Example: Look at those clouds! It’s going to rain.

Structure of Be Going To

To use "be going to", follow this formula:

Examples:

• I am going to visit my grandparents.

• She is going to cook dinner tonight.

• They are going to play soccer after school.

Using Be Going To for Plans

When you have already decided to do something, use "be going to."

Examples:

• Positive:
  I am going to buy a new phone next week.
  (You decided this earlier.)

• Negative:
  He isn’t going to attend the party.
  (He already decided not to go.)

• Question:
  Are you going to take the exam tomorrow?
  (You’re asking about their plan.)

Using Be Going To for Predictions

When you see evidence or feel sure about the future, use "be going to."

Examples:

• Positive:
  It is going to snow tonight.
  (You see dark clouds and feel the cold weather.)

• Negative:
  We aren’t going to win this game.
  (You can tell because the team isn’t playing well.)

• Question:
  Is it going to rain later?
  (You’re asking based on the weather.)

Common Errors with Be Going To

1. Forgetting "be" (am/is/are):

• Incorrect: I going to call my mom.

• Correct: I am going to call my mom.

2. Using the wrong base verb form:

• Incorrect: She is going to playing basketball.

• Correct: She is going to play basketball.

3. Confusing "be going to" with "will":

• Incorrect: I will going to travel.

• Correct: I am going to travel.

4. Misplacing “going to”:

• Incorrect: He is going play to football.

• Correct: He is going to play football.

Comparing "Be Going To" and "Will"

Everyday Use of Be Going To

Here are examples of "be going to" in daily life:

• At work: We are going to have a meeting at 3 PM.

• At school: I’m going to finish my homework tonight.

• At home: They are going to decorate the house for Christmas.

FAQ About Be Going To

What is the difference between "be going to" and "will"?

"Be going to" is for plans or predictions based on evidence. "Will" is for decisions made in the moment or general predictions.

Can "be going to" be used for instant decisions?

No. Use "will" for instant decisions. Example: I’ll help you with that.

Can I use contractions with "be going to"?

Yes! For example: I’m going to go shopping.

Is "be going to" used in formal writing?

Not usually. In formal writing, alternatives like "will" or "intend to" are more common.

Can I shorten "going to" in speech?

Yes, in casual speech, people often say "gonna." Example: I’m gonna eat lunch.
However, avoid writing "gonna" in formal settings.