Understanding the Basics of "Be Going To" for Future Plans
When it comes to expressing future plans or intentions in English, one of the most commonly used constructions is “be going to.” It is crucial to understand the usage, meaning, and differences between “be going to” and other future forms like “will” to communicate effectively. This worksheet is designed to help you master “be going to” with ease.
Forming "Be Going To"
Affirmative Sentences
- Subject + am/is/are + going to + verb (base form)
- I am going to learn French next year.
- You are going to love the new restaurant in town.
- She is going to attend the meeting at 3 PM.
Negative Sentences
- Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + verb (base form)
- I am not going to study tonight.
- They are not going to attend the concert.
Question Sentences
- Am/is/are + Subject + going to + verb (base form)?
- Are you going to the movies tonight?
- Is she going to enjoy the surprise party?
Using "Be Going To" for Future Plans
- To talk about plans or intentions:
• I am going to start my new job next Monday. • They are going to visit Paris in the summer. - To make predictions based on evidence:
• It’s going to rain tomorrow. • She’s going to pass the exam.
📝 Note: "Be going to" is often used for plans or intentions you have before the moment of speaking, and it implies a decision has already been made.
"Be Going To" vs. "Will"
- “Will” is often used for spontaneous decisions or promises:
• I’ll help you with your homework tonight. (Decision made at the moment of speaking) - “Be Going To” is used for plans made before the moment of speaking:
• I am going to help my sister move house this weekend. (Decision made before the moment of speaking)
📝 Note: The choice between "be going to" and "will" can depend on the context and the nuance of meaning you wish to convey.
Practicing "Be Going To"
Complete the sentences using “be going to” in its appropriate form:
- I ____________________ (study) for the exam tonight.
- They ____________________ (not attend) the concert tomorrow.
- Is she ____________________ (go) to the party?
- We ____________________ (travel) to Japan next year.
- It ____________________ (rain) tomorrow, so bring an umbrella.
Answers:
- am going to study
- are not going to attend
- Is she going to go
- are going to travel
- is going to rain
Creating Your Own Sentences
Use the following prompts to create your own sentences with “be going to”:
- I am going to ____________________ (verb) ____________________ (time/place).
- She is going to ____________________ (verb) ____________________ (time/place).
- They are not going to ____________________ (verb) ____________________ (time/place).
Remember: Practice makes perfect. The more you practice using “be going to” in different contexts, the more comfortable you will become with its usage.
Without proper practice and understanding, “be going to” can seem like a confusing aspect of English grammar. However, by following the guidelines and practicing regularly, you can master “be going to” with ease and enhance your English communication skills significantly.
What is the main difference between “be going to” and “will” in expressing future actions?
+“Be going to” is used for plans or intentions you have before the moment of speaking, while “will” is often used for spontaneous decisions or promises made at the moment of speaking.
How do I form affirmative sentences using “be going to”?
+Affirmative sentences are formed by using the subject followed by “am/is/are” depending on the subject, then “going to,” and finally the verb in its base form.
Can “be going to” be used for making predictions based on evidence?
+Yes, “be going to” can be used to make predictions based on evidence or present situations. For example, “It’s going to rain tomorrow” based on weather forecasts.
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