"Going to" for Future Tense

• "Going to" is used to express future plans and intentions.
• It indicates a decision has already been made.
• Structure: subject + "to be" (am, is, are) + "going to" + base form of verb.
• Example: "I am going to study English tomorrow." expresses a prior decision to study.
• Used for predictions based on present evidence.
• The evidence suggests a future outcome.
• Example: "Look at those dark clouds! It is going to rain." The dark clouds are the evidence.
• "Going to" emphasizes the link between the present evidence and the future prediction.

Forming "Going To"

• Affirmative: subject + am/is/are + going to + base form of verb.
• Negative: subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base form of verb.
• Interrogative: Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base form of verb?

Examples of Affirmative Sentences

• I am going to travel to Europe next year.
• He is going to start a new job next month.
• They are going to buy a new house.
• We are going to watch a movie tonight.
• She is going to learn to play the piano.

Examples of Negative Sentences

• I am not going to attend the meeting.
• He is not going to sell his car.
• They are not going to visit their parents this weekend.
• We are not going to eat out tonight.
• She is not going to apply for that job.

Examples of Interrogative Sentences

• Am I going to pass the exam?
• Is he going to call you?
• Are they going to come to the party?
• Are we going to leave now?
• Is she going to wear the blue dress?

Plans and Intentions

• Describes planned actions in the future.
• Reflects a prior decision or intention.
• Example: "I am going to call her later" indicates an intention to call.
• Differs slightly from using "will," which can indicate spontaneous decisions.

Predictions Based on Evidence

• Used when there is clear evidence suggesting a future event.
• The evidence is visible or known in the present.
• Example: "The traffic is terrible. We are going to be late." The traffic is the evidence.
• Emphasizes a logical conclusion based on current circumstances.

"Going to" vs. "Will"

• "Going to" implies a prior plan or visible evidence.
• "Will" often expresses spontaneous decisions or general future facts.
• Example: "I will help you" (spontaneous) vs. "I am going to help you" (pre-planned).
• "Will" can also express predictions without specific evidence.
• Example: "It will be sunny tomorrow" (general forecast).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the correct form of "to be" (am, is, are) matches the subject.
• Forgetting "to be": "I going to go" is incorrect; should be "I am going to go".
• Using Base Form Incorrectly: Always use the base form of the verb after "going to."
• Mixing "Going To" and Present Continuous: Avoid using "going to" when simply describing present actions.
• "I am going to going" is incorrect. Use "I am going to go."
• "She going to the store" is incorrect. Use "She is going to the store."

Short Answers

• Used for answering questions formed with "going to."
• Affirmative short answer: Yes, subject + am/is/are.
• Negative short answer: No, subject + am/is/are + not.
• Example: "Are you going to the party?" "Yes, I am." or "No, I'm not."

Examples of Short Answers

• Question: "Is he going to play football?"
  • Answer: "Yes, he is." or "No, he isn't."
• Question: "Are they going to travel?"
  • Answer: "Yes, they are." or "No, they aren't."
• Question: "Am I going to be late?"
  • Answer: "Yes, you are." or "No, you aren't."

Using "Going To" in Complex Sentences

• Can be used in combination with other tenses.
• Often found in conditional sentences.
• Example: "If it rains, I am going to stay home."
• Can be combined with time clauses.
• Example: "After I finish work, I am going to go to the gym."

Tips for Effective Use

• Consider the context to determine if "going to" is appropriate.
• Focus on whether there is a prior plan or present evidence.
• Practice forming sentences in affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms.
• Pay attention to subject-verb agreement.

"Be About To"

• Similar to "going to," but implies something will happen very soon.
• Structure: subject + am/is/are + about to + base form of verb.
• Example: "The movie is about to start."
• Indicates imminent actions or events.
• Used for events that are on the verge of happening.

Examples of "Be About To"

• The train is about to leave.
• She is about to cry.
• They are about to announce the winner.
• I am about to fall asleep.
• The bomb is about to explode.

Distinguishing "Be About To" from "Going To"

• "Be about to" suggests immediacy.
• "Going to" refers to the near future in general.
• Example: "I am going to eat dinner" (later) vs. "I am about to eat dinner" (right now).
• "Be about to" often marks a final stage before an event.

Exercises for Practice

• Create sentences using "going to" to describe your plans for the weekend.
• Write predictions based on the current weather conditions.
• Transform affirmative sentences into negative and interrogative forms.
• Provide short answers to questions using "going to."
• Construct complex sentences using "going to" in conditional and time clauses.