Future: “be going to”

Introduction

In English, there are many ways of expressing future time. One of the most common is the “be going to” construction. This page will explain the main meaning of “be going to” and show you how to use “be going to” in sentences and questions.

1. How to form “be going to” sentences

To make a verb form with “be going to”, you first put “be” into the correct form to agree with the subject, and then add “going to” + the simple form of the verb. Note also that the “be” form is often shortened. This table lists the main forms:

Subject
Statement
Question
Negative

I

I am going to leave.
I’m going to leave.
Am I going to leave?
I am not going to leave.
I’m not going to leave.

You

You are going to leave.
You’re going to leave.
Are you going to leave?
You are not going to leave.
You aren’t going to leave.
You‘re not going to leave.

He

He is going to leave.
He’s going to leave.
Is he going to leave?
He is not going to leave.
He‘s not going to leave.
He isn’t going to leave.

She

She is going to leave.
She’s going to leave.
Is she going to leave?
She is not going to leave.
She‘s not going to leave.
She isn’t going to leave.

It

It is going to leave.
It’s going to leave.
Is it going to leave?
It is not going to leave.
It‘s not going to leave.
It isn’t going to leave.

We

We are going to leave.
We’re going to leave.
Are we going to leave?
We are not going to leave.
We‘re not going to leave.
We aren’t going to leave.

They

They are going to leave.
They’re going to leave.
Are they going to leave?
They are not going to leave.
They‘re not going to leave.
They aren’t going to leave.

2. The meaning of “be going to” future forms

“Be going to” is usually used when something is already planned or definite. Look at the difference between these sentences:

I’ll make the supper tonight.
(Making a decision/volunteering to do something.)

I’m going to make the supper every Wednesday.
(This is already planned and organized.)

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.