Unit 37: BE GOING TO
Going to is a way to talk about future time. We use the auxiliary verb be (Unit 16) before it and the base form (Unit 14) after it.
Formation (be going to + base form)
STATEMENTS
She is going to have a baby.
I'm really going to try hard.
We are not going to have time to finish.
He wasn't going to tell me.
QUESTIONS
When are you going to see him.
What were you going to say?
Is he going to be at home tonight?
Use
FUTURE INTENTION
John says he's going to be an engineer when he grows up.
(This is what he wants to be.)
Are you going to watch the movie this evening?
NOT will you
I'm going to speak to him about it.
(I have already decided to do this.)
BUT
I'll speak to him about it.
(I am deciding now.)
PREDICTION OF THE NEAR FUTURE
He's going to have an accident if he's not careful.
(He's driving very dangerously now.)
Oh dear! I think I'm going to be sick.
(I feel a little ill already.)
FUTURE IN THE PAST
I didn't know that you were going to become a policeman.
(I am surprised that you are a policeman.)
I was going to tell you the news, but I forgot.
(It was my intention to tell you.)
