Unit 37: BE GOING TO

Going to is a way to talk about future time. We use the auxiliary verb be (Unit 16) before it and the base form (Unit 14) after it.

Formation (be going to + base form)

STATEMENTS

She is going to open a Bed and Breakfast.
I'm really going to try hard.
We are not going to have time to finish.
He wasn't going to tell me.

QUESTIONS

When are you going to see him.
What were you going to say?
Is he going to be at home tonight?

Use

FUTURE INTENTION

Marwan says he's going to be a hotelier when he grows up.
(This is what he wants to be.)
Are you going to order room service for dinner?
NOT will you
I'm going to speak to him about it.
(I have already decided to do this.)
BUT
I'll speak to him about it.
(I am deciding now.)

PREDICTION OF THE NEAR FUTURE

He's going to have an accident if he's not careful.
(He's carrying too many dishes!)

Oh dear! I think I'm going to be sick.
(I feel a little ill already.)

FUTURE IN THE PAST

I didn't know that you were going to become a tour operator.
(I am surprised that you are a tour operator.)

I was going to tell you the news, but I forgot.
(It was my intention to tell you.)

NOTICE: Be going to, or will, or present simple, or present continuous? (Unit 41)

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Exercise 37.1
Exercise 37.2
Exercise 37.3