English · A2 · verb · 4 minutes
Be going to
Express plans and evidence-based predictions with be + going to + base verb.
Understand the choice
Going to is common for prior intentions and predictions based on present evidence. Context distinguishes future structure from literal movement.
Core rule: Be agrees with the subject; going to is followed by a base verb.
Notice it in context
I am going to book a room tonight.
Voy a reservar una habitación esta noche.
Am agrees with I; going to supports base book; tonight gives future time.
Look at those clouds—it is going to rain.
The clouds are evidence that rain will begin.
Going to expresses an evidence-based prediction.
Are they going to travel in July?
Is July travel their plan?
Are inverts before they; travel stays base.
What to remember
- Informal speech often reduces going to to gonna, but formal writing keeps going to.
- Present continuous can also express arranged future: we are meeting at six.
Common trap: Do not omit be: I am going to book.