What Does ‘Be Going To’ Mean?

Be going to is a grammar structure we use to talk about things that will happen in the future.

It helps us express two main ideas:

• Plans and Intentions: Things you have already decided to do.
• Predictions with Evidence: Things you believe will happen because you see or know something now.

How Do We Form Sentences with 'Be Going To'?

The basic structure for be going to is simple. You need the verb to be (am/is/are), then going to, and finally the base form of the main verb.

• Positive Sentences: Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb.
• Negative Sentences: Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base verb.
• Questions: Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base verb?

When Do We Use 'Be Going To'?

Let's look at the two main situations where we use be going to.

1. To Talk About Future Plans and Intentions

Use be going to when you have already made a decision about the future. These are things you intend to do.

• I am going to study English tonight. (This is my plan.)
• They are going to visit their grandparents next weekend. (They have decided this.)
• She is not going to buy a new phone. (She has decided against it.)

2. To Make Predictions Based on Present Evidence

Use be going to when you can see something now that tells you what will happen in the future. There is clear evidence.

• Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain. (The clouds are the evidence.)
• Be careful! You are going to fall! (I see you are losing your balance.)
• She has a big smile. She is going to say yes. (Her smile is the evidence.)

Examples

• I am going to learn a new language.
• She is going to start a new job next month.
• We are going to have a party on Saturday.
• He is not going to come to the meeting.
• Are you going to travel this summer?
• Yes, I am.
• No, they aren't.
• Oh no, the bus is going to be late!
• My sister is going to have a baby in July.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Many Spanish speakers sometimes make these mistakes:

• Forgetting the verb to be: In Spanish, you might say "Voy a estudiar." But in English, you must include am/is/are.
  ❌ I going to study.
  ✅ I am going to study.
• Using will instead of going to for plans: While will can also talk about the future, going to is better for plans you've already made.
  ❌ I will visit my friend tomorrow. (If it's a definite plan)
  ✅ I am going to visit my friend tomorrow.
• Direct translation of "ir a": Remember that going to is a fixed phrase for the future, not always about movement.
  ❌ It is going to rain. (Correct, even though it's not 'going' anywhere physically.)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'will' and 'be going to' for A2 learners?

At A2 level, remember that be going to is mainly for plans you have already made and predictions based on what you see now. Will is often used for decisions made at the moment of speaking, or for general predictions without strong evidence.

Can I use contractions with 'be going to'?

Yes, absolutely! Contractions are very common in spoken and informal written English. For example, you can say I'm going to instead of I am going to, She's going to instead of She is going to, and They're going to instead of They are going to.

How is 'be going to' tested in the A2 Key exam?

In the A2 Key (KET) exam, you might see be going to in various parts. For example, in Reading and Writing Part 6, you might need to complete sentences with the correct future form. In the Speaking test, you might be asked about your future plans, where be going to is a perfect structure to use.

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