Plans & Predictions
Two jobs, one shape: going to talks about your plans (I am going to start a blog) and your predictions (It is going to rain). Formula: am/is/are + going to + base verb.
What Is Going To?
Two jobs, one shape
Going to looks to the future from a present decision. You use it for plans you have already made (I am going to learn Spanish) and for predictions you can see coming (Look — it is going to rain).
Plans
decided before speakingI am going to start a blog
Predictions
evidence in front of youIt is going to rain soon
The shape
am/is/are + going to + verbWe are going to move next year
Base verb only
never going to + -ingShe is going to buy a car
⚠️ am/is/are + going to + base verb — the verb after going to never takes -ing.
The Formula
be + going to + verb, in three moods
The helper be matches the subject (am/is/are), going to never changes, and the main verb always comes in its base form. Negatives and questions move the helper around.
Iamgoing tostarta blog
Sheisn'tgoing toquither job
Areyougoing tocometonight?
Common Mistakes
Three ways to break the shape
Going to is a fixed machine: the helper be, the words going to, and a base verb. Learners usually break it in the same three places.
I am going to buying a new phone.
I am going to buy a new phone.
💡 After going to, the verb stays in its base form — no -ing.
I going to watch a movie.
I am going to watch a movie.
💡 The helper be is mandatory: am/is/are + going to.
We are going to played tennis.
We are going to play tennis.
💡 After going to, the verb takes no past form.
He going to call you.
He is going to call you.
💡 Never forget the be: is + going to.
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned
Three minutes, five questions — check what stuck. No essay questions, we promise.
I ___ visit my parents next month.
💡 Extra info1 sections
Going To or Will?
One question decides
Going to and will both look to the future — the difference is when you decided. Ask yourself the question and the answer picks the form.