Talking about Future Plans with 'Be Going To'
We use the phrase "be going to" to talk about future plans that have already been decided or when we have an intention to do something.
A Dialogue about Future Plans
Mike: Hey Lisa, what are you doing this weekend?
Lisa: I'm busy. I am going to study for my history exam all day Saturday.
Mike: Wow, that's a lot of work. So you aren't going to go to the party on Friday night?
Lisa: No, I am not going to go. I need to get a good grade. What about you?
Mike: I am going to help my dad with some yard work on Saturday morning, but in the evening, I am going to meet some friends for dinner.
Lisa: That sounds fun!
How to form sentences with 'going to'
The structure is always: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb.
Affirmative (+)
Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb.
Example: I am going to read a book tonight.
Negative (-)
Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base verb.
Example: She is not going to call him.
Interrogative (?)
Am/is/are + subject + going to + base verb?
Example: Are you going to visit your grandmother?
Practice Time!
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 'going to' using the verb in parentheses.
Quick Summary
| Sentence Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Affirmative | We're going to travel. |
| Negative | They aren't going to stay. |
| Question | Is she going to finish? |