When should I use 'going to' instead of 'will'?

Use 'going to' for plans you've already decided ('I'm going to start a new job in June') and predictions based on what you can see right now ('Look at those clouds — it's going to rain'). Use 'will' for spontaneous decisions and predictions based on opinion ('I think it'll rain').

Is 'gonna' acceptable in writing?

'Gonna' is a casual spoken contraction of 'going to'. It's fine in dialogue, songs, text messages, and very informal writing, but avoid it in essays, emails to teachers, exams, and any formal context. Always write 'going to' in academic or business English.

Can I use 'going to' for predictions?

Yes — specifically for predictions you can support with present evidence. 'She's going to fall' (you can see her tripping). 'This party is going to be amazing' (you can see the preparations). For pure guesses without evidence, 'will' or 'might' fit better.

Why is 'I going to leave' wrong?

'Going to' needs the auxiliary verb 'be' before it: am/is/are. Say 'I am going to leave' or 'I'm going to leave'. The full pattern is always: subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb. Don't drop the 'be' even in casual speech.

Can I say 'I'm going to go'?

Yes, it's grammatically correct, though some speakers shorten it to just 'I'm going' for natural style. 'I'm going to go to the shops' and 'I'm going to the shops' both work. The full 'going to go' form is standard but feels slightly redundant in conversation.

Future with Going To

Plans, intentions, and predictions based on evidence: I'm going to visit Paris

Last updated 13 June 2026

beginner

The 'going to' future expresses plans and intentions decided before the moment of speaking, as well as predictions based on present evidence. Form it with am/is/are + going to + base verb.

When to Use Future with Going To

•Plans and intentions: I'm going to study medicine. We're going to get married.
•Predictions based on evidence: Look at those clouds! It's going to rain.
•Something about to happen: Watch out! You're going to fall!
•Decisions already made: I've decided. I'm going to quit my job.
•Compare with 'will': will = spontaneous decision; going to = planned decision.

How to Form Future with Going To

Affirmative (+)

Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb

Negative (-)

Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base verb

Question (?)

Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base verb?

💡 In speech, 'going to' often sounds like 'gonna'. Avoid 'gonna' in formal writing.

Examples of Future with Going To

✓She's going to have a baby.

✗She's going to has a baby.

Base verb after 'going to'.

✓Look! He's going to fall!

✗Look! He will fall!

Use 'going to' for predictions based on present evidence.

✓I'm not going to tell anyone.

✗I'm not going tell anyone.

Keep 'to' in negative form.

Common Mistakes with Future with Going To

💡 Practice Tips for Future with Going To

• Plans/intentions: I'm going to + verb (decided before speaking).
• Evidence-based predictions: Look! It's going to rain.
• Will vs going to: 'I'll help you' (spontaneous) vs 'I'm going to help you' (planned).
• Informal speech: 'gonna' = 'going to'.

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When to Use Future with Going To

How to Form Future with Going To

Examples of Future with Going To

Common Mistakes with Future with Going To

✗I going to leave.

✗She's going to goes home.

✗Are you going to coming?

💡 Practice Tips for Future with Going To

Frequently Asked Questions about Future with Going To

When should I use 'going to' instead of 'will'?

Is 'gonna' acceptable in writing?

Can I use 'going to' for predictions?

Why is 'I going to leave' wrong?

Can I say 'I'm going to go'?

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