Grammar: Future with 'Be Going To'
A2 Lesson 18: Plans and Predictions
When to Use 'Be Going To'
We use 'be going to' to talk about the future in two important situations. This form is very common in everyday English conversation.
🗓️ Plans & Intentions
To talk about a plan or intention that you decided before the moment of speaking.
Example: I am going to visit my family in Kampot next month. (I already decided this).
👀 Predictions with Evidence
To make a prediction about the future when you have evidence or signs now.
Example: Look at those dark clouds. It is going to rain soon. (The clouds are my evidence).
The Grammar Rule 📖
How to Form 'Be Going To'
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Subject + am/is/are + going to + Verb | She is going to cook Khmer curry. |
| Negative (-) | Subject + am not/isn't/aren't + going to + Verb | We aren't going to watch a movie tonight. |
| Question (?) | Am/Is/Are + Subject + going to + Verb? | Are you going to apply for that job? |
In Conversation
Listen to Dara and Sophea plan their weekend.
Dara: What are you doing this weekend?
Sophea: On Saturday, I'm going to visit the Royal Palace. I've already bought my ticket. What about you?
Dara: I don't have any plans yet. Oh, look at your phone. The battery is at 1%!
Sophea: You're right! It's going to die any second. I need to charge it.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Build the Sentence
Put the words in the correct order to make a sentence or question.
- ( I / to / am / study / going / tonight )
→ I am going to study tonight. - ( not / She / going / is / to / come )
→ She is not going to come. (or She isn't...) - ( they / Are / to / visit / going / the museum )?
→ Are they going to visit the museum? - ( eat / We / going / are / to / at / a restaurant )
→ We are going to eat at a restaurant.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
What Are Your Plans?
Write three sentences about your own real plans or intentions for the next week. Use "be going to".
Key Vocabulary
- Plan A decision about what you are going to do in the future.
- Intention Something that you want and plan to do.
- Prediction A statement about what you think will happen in the future.
- Evidence The facts or signs that make you believe that something is true.