“Going To” in English, Definition, Usage Rules, and Examples

Learn how to use ‘going to’ in English to express future plans, intentions, and predictions. This article provides a clear definition of ‘going to,’ usage rules, and 20 examples to help you master this important grammar structure.

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Definition of Going to

“Going to” is a grammatical structure in the English language that is used to express a future intention or plan. It is formed by using the auxiliary verb “to be” in the present tense, followed by the word “going” and then the base form of the main verb.

For example, “I am going to study for my exam tonight” indicates the speaker’s intention to study later that night. This structure can also be used to express predictions based on present evidence, such as “It looks like it’s going to rain later today.”

In some cases, “going to” can also be used to express an imminent action, such as “I’m going to sneeze” indicating that the speaker is about to sneeze.

How is “Going to” used in English? What are the rules of use of “Going to”?

“Going to” is used in English to express a future plan, intention or prediction. Here are the basic rules of use:

1. To express a future plan or intention: “Going to” is used to express a future plan or intention that has already been decided or arranged. For example: “I am going to visit my grandparents this weekend.”
2. To express a future prediction: “Going to” can also be used to predict something that is likely to happen based on present evidence. For example: “Look at those dark clouds. It’s going to rain.”
3. The structure of “Going to”: The structure of “going to” is formed by using the auxiliary verb “to be” in the present tense followed by the word “going” and then the base form of the main verb. For example: “She is going to start her own business.”
4. Use of contractions: In casual conversation or informal writing, “going to” is often contracted to “gonna.” For example: “I’m gonna go to the store.”
5. Use with time expressions: “Going to” can be used with time expressions such as “tomorrow,” “next week,” “next month,” etc. For example: “I’m going to have a dentist appointment next Monday.”
6. Use with negative form: When used in a negative form, “going to” is contracted to “not gonna.” For example: “I’m not gonna go to the party tonight.”

Overall, “going to” is a versatile structure that is commonly used in English to express future plans, intentions, and predictions.

How to use the word Going to in a sentence?

Here are 20 sample sentences using the phrase “going to”:

1. I am going to the grocery store later.
2. They are going to get married next month.
3. She is going to study abroad next year.
4. He is going to finish his project this week.
5. We are going to have a barbecue this weekend.
6. It looks like it’s going to rain today.
7. They are going to open a new restaurant downtown.
8. She is going to start her own business next year.
9. I’m going to visit my family for Christmas.
10. They are going to hire new employees next month.
11. I am going to learn a new language this year.
12. We are going to watch a movie tonight.
13. He is going to take a break from work next week.
14. She is going to adopt a puppy next month.
15. They are going to renovate their house next summer.
16. I’m going to start a diet next Monday.
17. We are going to attend a concert next week.
18. He is going to finish his book by the end of the month.
19. She is going to run a marathon next year.
20. They are going to organize a charity event next month.