Going to / Future Tense

Conversation 1

Woman: What are you going to do tonight?
Man: I think I’m just going to stay home. What about you?
Woman: I’m going to see a movie with Karen. Do you want to come?
Man: No, I’ll pass. But thanks for asking.
Woman: OK, maybe next time.

Conversation 2

Woman: So, what are you going to do this summer?
Man: Nothing. I’m going to help my father with his business.
Woman: That sounds fun. What do you have planned?
Man: We’re going to redecorate the interior of the shop.
Woman: That sounds like a handful.
Man: Yes, it's going to be a lot of work.

Conversation 3

Woman: Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?
Man: Sure. What are you having?
Woman: We are going to barbecue outside.
Man: Oh, I love barbecue. What are you cooking?
Woman: We are going to grill either chicken or steak.
Man: Oh, well if you do steak, I’m in.
Woman: Steak it is then!

Conversation 4

Woman: When are you going to get back from your trip?
Man: I should be back in two days.
Woman: You’re going to Hawaii? Aren’t you going to stay a bit for vacation?
Man: No, I need to get back. I want to though!
Woman: Well, you might want to rethink that.
Man: Yeah, maybe you’re right.
Woman: You’re going to regret it if you don’t.
Man: Work is always going to be here waiting, isn’t it?
Woman: You got that right.

Going to

be + going to + base verb

We use this structure, going to, to talk about future plans or intentions.

The words going to are often spoken as gonna in natural speech. Normally, we do not use this form in written English.

Questions

What are you going to do?
When are you going to get here?
Who are you going to see?
Where are you going to stay?
Why are you going to do that?
How are you going to get there?

Affirmative

I am going to call you.
You are going to be fine.
She is going to make a lot of money.
He is going to be sorry.
It’s going to rain soon.
They are going to come by taxi.
We are going to get in trouble.

Negative

I am not going to say anything.
You are not going to regret this.
She is not going to work tonight.
He’s not going to call you.
It is not going to happen.
They are not going to play.
We are not going to make it.

Y/N Questions

Are you going to eat that?
Yes, I am.
No, I’m not.

Is she going to play?
Yes, she is.
No, she isn’t.