Be going to: Plans and predictions

Be going to: Grammar chart

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Be going to: Form

Be going to consists of the present continuous of the verb go (I’m going, you are going, etc.) + to-infinitive form of the main verb.

When the main verb is go

When the main verb is go, we can exclude it if we want.

• I’m going shopping this afternoon. (=I’m going to go shopping this afternoon.)
• We are going to Cyprus next summer. (=We are going to go to Cyprus next summer. )

Be going to: Use

Predictions

We use be going to to talk about something that we see is going to happen (there is present evidence).

• Don’t drive like a crazy man. We’re going to have an accident!
• The doctor said I’m going to have a girl.
• Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain. 

Intentions or plans

We use be going to for intentions or plans (decisions taken before the moment of speaking).

• ‘Why are you undressing?’ ‘Because I’m going to go for a swim.’
• We are going to have a drink after work. Do you want to come?

Future time expressions

We often use be going to with future time expressions (tomorrow, next week, etc.).

• We are going to play cards tonight. 
• She’s going to study biology next year.