BE GOING TO

o BE GOING TO for intentions

o BE GOING TO for predictions

BE GOING TO for intentions

Be going to is used to express future intentions that, at the moment of speaking, have already been
decided:

We are going to redecorate the living room next week.

Are you going to propose to her?
Do you think Sam's going to apply for the job?

BE GOING TO for predictions

Be going to is used to predict future events that are very near (and can be seen) or seem sure to happen.
Such predictions are based on present evidence:

I'm going to faint.

Look at the clouds; it's going to rain.
My sister is going to have a baby.

Present simple for fixed future events

(schedules, timetables and itineraries)
Tags:

 fixed event

 future

 present

 simple
 When talking about schedules, timetables and itineraries, the present simple tense is used to refer to a
future event that is planned and is not likely to change:

I have a meeting on the 15th, but I'm free on the following day.
What time is your flight?
The last train to Rome leaves at 22.30.
On day 6, we visit the pyramids.
His father retires in two years.
Christmas Eve is on a Tuesday this year.

Present continuous for fixed future

arrangements
Tags:

Used with a time expression, the present continuous tense can express fixed social or travel arrangements
for the future:

"What are you doing tonight?" "I'm going out with some friends." (it is settled)
They are getting married next month. (they have made arrangements)
I'm flying to Istanbul on the 15th. (I have booked my ticket)

The difference between WILL, BE GOING

TO and the present continuous for future
events
Tags:

 continuous

 future

 present

 simple
 BE GOING TO

 WILL

WILL and BE GOING TO for future intentions

Will (future simple) is used to express future intentions that are decided at the time of speaking
(spontaneous offers, promises and decisions):

Come on, I'll help you with those bags. (seeing that someone is struggling with their shopping bags)

Be going to is used to express future intentions that have already been decided before the time of speaking:

I can't make it on Saturday. I'm going to help my parents around the house. (referring to a decision that the
speaker has made in the past)

WILL and BE GOING TO for predictions

Will (future simple) is used to make predictions that are based on personal judgement, opinion or intuition:

I'm sure you'll have a lovely time in Italy. (opinion)

Be going to is used to make predictions that are based on present evidence. The predicted event is either
very near (and can be seen) or seems sure to happen:

My sister's going to have a baby. (we can see that she is pregnant)

BE GOING TO and present continuous for future plans

Be going to refers to future intentions that have been decided but have not been fully planned:

We're going to get married. (referring to a past decision)

The present continuous tense refers to fixed future events and emphasises that plans or arrangements have
already been made:

We are getting married next month. (the wedding has already been arranged)
 Other expressions referring to future time
This topic is discussed under Modals » Other modal expressions.

‹ The difference between WILL, BE GOING TO and the present continuous for future events^
Future time

Future time clauses

Tags:

 clauses

 completion

 duration

 emphasis

 future

 point in time

 present

In time clauses that refer to future time (clauses with if, when, after, before, as soon as, once, until,
while etc.) we use the present tenses:

Say hi from me if you see him. (present simple)

Will you wait for me until I get back? (present simple)
As soon as I arrive, I'll give you a call. (present simple)
You can play in the garden when you have finished your homework. (present perfect)
I'll be waiting outside while you are speaking to the doctor. (present continuous)

Revision questions: future time

 Which present tenses can express future events?
 What is the difference between be going to and the present continuous tense when used to refer to
future time?
 Which structure or tense can be used to express a plan that has already been decided before the
time of speaking?
 What kind of predictions can be made by using the future simple tense?
 For what meaning can we use both the present continuous and the future continuous tenses?