Construction “to be going to” for future actions

Construction “to be going to” is used:

1. For plans, intentions or ambitions people have for the future,

e.g. Don’t laugh at me. I am going to become President one day.

2. For actions people have already decided to do in the near future,

e.g. Peter and Joanne are going to get married in three months. (They have already decided to do it.)

BUT: They're getting married next month. (They have decided and arranged to do it.)

3. In predictions when there is evidence that something will happen in the near future.

e.g. Look at the clouds! It's going to rain.

Notes:

• “To be going to” is normally used to talk about something people intend to do;

• Future Indefinite is used to give details or make comments.

e.g. I'm going to have a party next week. I'll invite all my friends. - That'll be great.

• Present continuous rather than “to be going to” is used with verbs which express movement, especially the verbs go and come.

e.g. Sam is going to the market in a few minutes.

Sheila is coming to my house for tea this afternoon.

Future indefinite V.S. Construction “to be going to”

FUTURE INDEFINITE is used for	CONSTRUCTION “TO BE GOING TO” is used for
Predictions which are based on what people think, e.g. In the year 2020 all people will drive electric cars.	Predictions which are based on what people can see, have evidence of or know, e.g. Mum is putting on her apron. She is going to wash up.
“On-the-spot decisions”, e.g. I can’t say that I like either of these dresses. OK, I’ll take the blue one; it’s a little bit better.	Actions people have already decide to do in the future e.g. Daddy, do you like this blouse? – Yes. Why? – I am going to give it to Mum for her birthday.

**TASK 57. Nola is worried and Peter wants to cheer her up. Complete the conversation, using the verbs given in brackets in one of the forms expressing the future.

Nola: I'm worried about my exams next week.

Peter: Don't worry. You _________(not to fail). I'm sure you ________(to do) well. Of course, if you ________ (not to be) too nervous.

Nola: Anyway, even if I ________ (to pass) them, my life ________ (to change). I ________ still (to go on) working in the same old job for the same old boss.

Peter: I know you don't like him, but don't worry. He probably ________ (not to stay) much longer. He's not happy here. I expect he ________ (to leave) soon. I’ve heard he is going to work for Virgin Ailines, if he ________ (not to change) his mind.

Nola: Well, let's think about something more pleasant. We ________ (to go away) after the exam?

Peter: I ________ (to tell) you a good idea. We ________ (to spend) a few days at my aunt's cottage in Essex, where we went last summer. Remember?

Nola: I remember the accident you had on the way.

Peter: Oh, don't worry. I ________ (not to have) an accident this time. And the car (not to break down), either if I ________ (to have it serviced) at the nearest weekend.

Nola: We ________ (to need) our sleeping bags. They're in the loft I expect they're damp and dirty. If we ________ (to take) them like this, we ________ (not to be able) to sleep in them.

Peter: That's all right I ________ (to get them down) this evening, I (to wash) them in the morning, and then I ________ (to hang) them out in the garden to dry.

Nola: Wonderful! So we ________ (to leave) as soon as the results ________ (to come out).