Future Tense With Going To Discussing Future Plans

Planning for the future is something we all do, whether we're deciding what to have for dinner tomorrow or mapping out our career path for the next decade. When it comes to expressing these future plans in English, one of the most common and useful tools is the "going to" future tense. This grammatical structure allows us to talk about intentions, make predictions based on present evidence, and discuss arrangements that have already been made. In this comprehensive article, we will delve deeply into the "going to" future tense, exploring its formation, usage, nuances, and common mistakes to avoid, so you can confidently and accurately express your future plans.

What is the "Going to" Future Tense?

The "going to" future tense is a grammatical construction in English used to express future events, plans, or intentions. It is formed using the auxiliary verb "to be" (am, is, are) + "going to" + the base form of the main verb.

• Formula: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of verb

For example:

• I am going to travel to Japan next year.
• She is going to start a new job in July.
• They are going to buy a house.

This tense indicates a strong connection between the present and the future, suggesting that the speaker has already made a decision or formed an intention.

How to Form the "Going to" Future Tense

The formation of the "going to" future tense is straightforward but requires attention to the correct conjugation of the verb "to be." Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Affirmative Sentences

To form affirmative sentences, follow this structure:

• Subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of verb

Here are some examples:

• I am going to study medicine.
• You are going to learn Spanish.
• He is going to write a book.
• She is going to visit her mother.
• It is going to rain later.
• We are going to have a party.
• They are going to move to a new city.

Negative Sentences

To form negative sentences, insert "not" after the auxiliary verb "to be":

• Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base form of verb

Contractions are commonly used in spoken English:

• am not = am not (no contraction)
• is not = isn't
• are not = aren't

Here are some examples:

• I am not going to watch that movie.
• You aren't going to fail the exam.
• He isn't going to attend the meeting.
• She isn't going to sell her car.
• It isn't going to snow this winter.
• We aren't going to eat meat tonight.
• They aren't going to play football tomorrow.

Interrogative Sentences (Questions)

To form questions, invert the subject and the auxiliary verb "to be":

• Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base form of verb?

Here are some examples:

• Am I going to pass the test?
• Are you going to come to the party?
• Is he going to buy a new computer?
• Is she going to accept the job offer?
• Is it going to be a long day?
• Are we going to win the game?
• Are they going to travel abroad?

Short Answers

Short answers to these questions use the auxiliary verb "to be":

• Yes, I am. / No, I am not.
• Yes, you are. / No, you aren't.
• Yes, he/she/it is. / No, he/she/it isn't.
• Yes, we are. / No, we aren't.
• Yes, they are. / No, they aren't.

Uses of the "Going to" Future Tense

The "going to" future tense is used in several specific contexts, each adding a slightly different nuance to the meaning. Understanding these contexts is crucial for using the tense accurately and effectively.

Expressing Intentions or Plans

The primary use of "going to" is to express intentions or plans that have already been decided. This indicates that the speaker has made a firm decision about the future action.

• "I am going to learn to play the guitar this year." (The speaker has already decided to learn the guitar.)
• "She is going to apply for a scholarship." (She has already made the decision to apply.)
• "We are going to visit our grandparents next weekend." (The visit is planned.)

Making Predictions Based on Present Evidence

Another key use of "going to" is to make predictions based on present evidence or observable facts. This implies that the speaker can see or sense something that suggests a future outcome.

• "Look at those dark clouds. It is going to rain." (The presence of dark clouds is the evidence.)
• "The traffic is terrible. We are going to be late." (The heavy traffic is the evidence.)
• "She has been studying very hard. She is going to pass the exam." (Her hard work is the evidence.)

Describing Events That Are About to Happen

"Going to" can also describe events that are on the verge of happening or are imminent. This usage emphasizes the immediate proximity of the future event.

• "The bomb is going to explode!" (The explosion is imminent.)
• "The show is going to start in a few minutes." (The start of the show is very close.)
• "I think I am going to be sick." (The feeling of sickness is immediate.)

Making Arrangements

The "going to" future tense can also be used to describe arrangements that have been made.

• "They are going to get married next year." (The wedding is arranged.)
• "He is going to meet his client tomorrow morning." (The meeting is scheduled.)
• "We are going to have a meeting to discuss the project." (The meeting is arranged.)

"Going to" vs. "Will"

One common point of confusion for English learners is the difference between "going to" and "will." While both are used to talk about the future, they have distinct nuances and are used in different contexts.

Intentions vs. Spontaneous Decisions

• "Going to": Used for plans or intentions that were decided before the moment of speaking.
  • "I am going to study French." (This was planned beforehand.)
• "Will": Used for spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking.
  • "I will help you with that." (Decided at this moment.)

Predictions Based on Evidence vs. General Predictions

• "Going to": Used for predictions based on present evidence.
  • "The sky is dark. It is going to rain." (Based on the dark sky.)
• "Will": Used for general predictions or assumptions about the future.
  • "It will be sunny tomorrow." (A general forecast.)

Arrangements vs. Promises

• "Going to": Used for arrangements.
  • "We are going to meet at 8 PM." (An arrangement has been made.)
• "Will": Used for promises or offers.
  • "I will call you later." (A promise to call.)

Examples to Illustrate the Difference

• "Going to": "I've bought the ingredients, so I am going to bake a cake." (Plan based on a prior action)
• "Will": "Oh, I didn't know you were coming. I will make some tea for you." (Spontaneous offer)
• "Going to": "She is practicing a lot. She is going to win." (Prediction based on evidence)
• "Will": "I think humans will live on Mars one day." (General prediction)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the "going to" future tense is relatively simple, learners often make common mistakes. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid errors and use the tense more accurately.

Incorrect Conjugation of "To Be"

One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong form of the verb "to be." Ensure that "am," "is," and "are" are correctly matched with the subject.

• Incorrect: "I is going to go."
• Correct: "I am going to go."
• Incorrect: "He are going to arrive."
• Correct: "He is going to arrive."
• Incorrect: "They is going to visit."
• Correct: "They are going to visit."

Omitting "To Be"

Another frequent mistake is omitting the verb "to be" altogether.

• Incorrect: "I going to eat."
• Correct: "I am going to eat."
• Incorrect: "She going to sing."
• Correct: "She is going to sing."
• Incorrect: "We going to dance."
• Correct: "We are going to dance."

Confusing "Going To" with "Going"

It's easy to confuse "going to" (future tense) with "going" (present continuous tense of the verb "to go"). The context usually clarifies the meaning.

• "I am going to the store." (Present continuous, indicating movement to a place)
• "I am going to buy milk." (Future tense, indicating a future plan)

Overusing "Going To"

Sometimes, learners overuse "going to" when "will" or the present continuous tense might be more appropriate. Remember to consider the nuances of each tense.

• Less Appropriate: "I am going to open the door." (When offering to open the door immediately)
• More Appropriate: "I will open the door." (Spontaneous offer)
• Less Appropriate: "I am going to meet John tomorrow." (If the meeting is a fixed appointment)
• More Appropriate: "I am meeting John tomorrow." (Fixed appointment)

Misusing "Going To" for Conditional Sentences

"Going to" is not typically used in the if-clause of conditional sentences. "Will" or the present simple is more appropriate.

• Incorrect: "If it is going to rain, I will stay home."
• Correct: "If it rains, I will stay home."
• Incorrect: "If she is going to study hard, she will pass."
• Correct: "If she studies hard, she will pass."

Tips for Mastering the "Going to" Future Tense

To master the "going to" future tense, consider the following tips:

Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is key to mastering any grammatical concept. Write sentences, create dialogues, and engage in conversations using "going to" to reinforce your understanding.

Listen to Native Speakers

Pay attention to how native English speakers use "going to" in real-life conversations. Observe the contexts in which they use it and try to emulate their usage.

Read English Content

Reading books, articles, and other English content can expose you to various examples of "going to" in different contexts. This will help you internalize the rules and nuances of the tense.

Do Exercises

Complete grammar exercises specifically designed to practice the "going to" future tense. These exercises can help you identify and correct common mistakes.

Get Feedback

Ask a teacher, tutor, or native speaker to review your use of "going to" and provide feedback. Constructive criticism can help you improve your accuracy and fluency.

Conclusion

The "going to" future tense is an essential tool for expressing future plans, making predictions, and describing imminent events in English. By understanding its formation, usage, and nuances, and by practicing regularly, you can confidently and accurately use this tense in your everyday communication. Remember to distinguish "going to" from "will," avoid common mistakes, and immerse yourself in English content to solidify your understanding. With these strategies, you'll be well-equipped to discuss your future endeavors and understand those of others.