going to
going to is not a tense. It is a special expression to talk
about the future.
How do we make a sentence with "going to"?
The structure is:
subject + be + going + infinitive
The verb "be" is conjugated (past, present or future).
| |
subject |
be |
(not) |
going |
infinitive |
|
| + |
I |
am |
|
going |
to buy |
a new car. |
| + |
I'm |
|
going |
to go |
swimming. |
| - |
He |
is |
not |
going |
to take |
the exam. |
| - |
It |
isn't |
going |
to rain. |
|
| ? |
Are |
you |
|
going |
to paint |
the house? |
How do we use "going to"?
going to (for intention)
We use going to when we have the intention to do something
before we speak. We have already made a decision before speaking. Look at these
examples:
- Jo has won the lottery. He says he's going to buy a
Porsche.
- We're not going to paint our bedroom
tomorrow.
- When are you going to go on holiday?
In these examples, we had an intention or plan before
speaking. The decision was made before speaking.
going to (for prediction)
We often use going to to make a prediction about the
future. Our prediction is based on present evidence. We are saying what
we think will happen. Here are some examples:
- The sky is very black. It's going to snow.
- It's 8.30! You're going to miss the train!
- I crashed the company car. My boss isn't going to be
very happy!
In these examples, the present situation (black sky, the
time, damaged car) gives us a good idea of what is going to happen. |
