Sentence structure: Future with be going to

In this chapter

• When do we use it?

  am/is/are going to + base verb: a plan made earlier, and a prediction based on something we can see now (Dark clouds: it's going to rain).

• Future: be going to

  the plan or sign is already here; what will happen

  Pattern: Subject + am/is/are + going to + verb (base)

  Example: We are going to visit Antalya this summer.

  Example: Look at those dark clouds. It is going to rain.

• Formula

  Positive: I am going to learn the guitar. · Negative: We aren't going to watch TV tonight. · Question: Are you going to join the club? · Short answer: Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.

• Color-coded examples

  The plan was made earlier.

  Example: I am going to bake a cake for Mom's birthday.

  Example: That vase is going to fall!

• Turkish equivalents

  Example: I am going to take swimming lessons this summer. I already signed up.

  Example: Be careful, the glass is going to fall!

• Tip

  Most common mistake: leaving out am/is/are. Not “I going to play” but I am going to play. In speech you'll hear gonna, but write going to.