A2 · Lesson 24 · 20 min
Going to and future arrangements
In this lesson
- I can use going to for plans and predictions from present evidence.
- I can use the present continuous for fixed future arrangements.
Grammar in context
On Friday, Mia is meeting her cousin after work. They are having dinner near the station. Outside, dark clouds are moving quickly, so Mia says, “It’s going to rain.” She is going to take an umbrella.
Which future sentence describes an arranged meeting, and which one is a prediction from what Mia can see now?
Going to for plans
Use be going to + base verb for an intention or plan. The plan may be personal and does not need a fixed time or another person. Use am, is or are before going to. For negatives, use am not, isn’t or aren’t going to. In questions, put am, is or are before the subject.
- I’m going to call my grandmother this evening.
- Are they going to paint the kitchen?
Going to for evidence
Use be going to when something seems likely because there is evidence now. Look at the present situation, then predict the result. This is different from simply talking about a timetable. The evidence can be something you see, hear or know at this moment.
- Be careful! That box is going to fall.
- The baby is very tired, so she is going to fall asleep soon.
Present continuous for arrangements
Use the present continuous for a future arrangement that is organised. It often includes a time, place or person: am, is or are + verb-ing. The arrangement is usually more fixed than a general plan. Use not after be for a negative, and start a question with be.
- We’re catching the 7.30 train on Monday.
- Is Leo meeting the dentist tomorrow morning?
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
I going to visit my aunt tomorrow.
Use
I’m going to visit my aunt tomorrow.
Use am, is or are before going to.
Avoid
She is meet her friend on Saturday.
Use
She is meeting her friend on Saturday.
Future arrangements use be + verb-ing.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.