The form be going to + base form is used to express future intentions, things that the subject has decided to do, or predictions, when a certain fact or action is expected to happen almost immediately or in a near future.
The following table shows the “be going to” form in the affirmative, negative, interrogative and interro-negative forms.
The form be going to + base form is used to express future intentions, things that the subject has decided to do.
| Affirmative | Negative | Interrogative | Negative Interrogative | Examples |
| I’m going to buy | I’m not going to buy | Am I goign to buy? | Am I not going to buy? | I’m not going to buy that shirt. It’s too expensive. |
| We’re going to sell our car | We aren’t going to sell our car | Are you going to sell your car? | Aren’t you going to sell your car? | We’re going to sell our car before the end of the month |
| They’re going to help | They aren’t going to help | Are they going to help? | Aren’t you going to help? | They aren’t going to help the other students |
“Be going to” for future intentions
| Use | Examples |
| The subject expresses a strong intention to perform a certain action. The intention is very often premeditated and theaction is very likely to be performed. | She’s going to study law at the University next year.
My parents are going to move to London soon. Are you going to invite her to the party? |
“Be going to” for predictions
| Use | Examples |
| When an action is expected to happen almost immediately or in the near future. There are signs that suggest that the prediction will occur very soon. | Look at the sky! It’s getting darker. It’s going to rain very soon.
If you don’t leave immediately you’re going to miss the train. The car’s engine has been making a strange noise since we left. I’m afraid the car is going to stop. |