The rule, as people use it

"Going to" talks about the future you've already decided. The shape is be + going to + verb: I'm going to cook, she's going to move, we're going to watch a movie. The decision happened before you speak. You're telling someone about a plan, not making one.

It also works for things you can see coming. Dark clouds, a wobbly glass, a crying baby. "It's going to rain." "That glass is going to fall." The evidence is right in front of you.

In fast speech, "going to" often becomes "gonna": "I'm gonna be late." You'll hear it in movies and with friends all the time. It's fine to say, but write "going to" in emails and messages to people you don't know well.

Examples

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Fill the gap

Type the missing words, then check. The full sentence plays when you get it.

  1. 1

    I (go to / cook) pasta tonight.

  2. 2

    We (go to / take) the early train.

  3. 3

    (you / go to / come) to the party?

  4. 4

    He (not / go to / like) this news.

  5. 5

    It's so cold, I think it (go to / snow).

  6. 6

    Ananya (go to / study) in Toronto next year.

  7. 7

    What (they / go to / do) now?

  8. 8

    I (go to / be) home by nine.

Practice · 3 min

Write your plans for the next seven days. Use "going to" in every line, then read them out loud as if you're telling a friend.

  • Tomorrow morning, I'm going to ___ .
  • After work or school, I'm going to ___ .
  • This weekend, I'm going to ___ .
  • Next week, I'm not going to ___ .
  • Someone I know is going to ___ soon.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.