I am going to visit my friend.
- Language
- English
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Verb Tenses and Aspects
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The 'future with going to' is a way to talk about plans and intentions for the future in English. It shows what someone has already decided to do.
When to use it
Use 'going to' for plans or decisions you have already made, or when something is about to happen based on what you see now.
Key forms
- Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb
- I am going to eat.
- She is going to travel.
- They are going to study.
Examples
She is going to start a new job.
They are going to play football this evening.
Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.
Tips
- Do not use 'going to' for things you decide at the moment of speaking. Use 'will' instead.
- Remember to use the correct form of 'am', 'is', or 'are' with the subject.
- After 'going to', always use the base form of the verb (not -ing or past).
Exceptions and edge cases
- In spoken English, 'going to' is often pronounced 'gonna', but this is informal and not used in writing.