Be going to vs.

Present continuous: Function

In this video we are going to explain the similarities and differences of the functions of "BE
GOING TO" and "PRESENT CONTINUOUS" for future.

SIMILARITIES:
Let's look at the similarities:

Both be going to and present continuous are used to talk about future actions and events
that have some present reality. So, for example, if we say that something is going to
happen or is happening, it is usually already decided or planned.

Let's see some examples:

 I'm going to go to the beach.
 I'm going to the beach.
 He's going to study French.
 He's studying French.

- As noted in these examples, "be going to" and the "present continuous" have basically
the same meaning when talking about the future.
- As you can see, both sentences express nearly the same idea.

DIFFERENCES:
Now, let's look at the differences:

BE GOING TO:
Let's begin with BE GOING TO:
We use be going to to express the idea of intention or prediction when there is present
evidence.

For example:
 Look out! He's going to break that glass! (This is a prediction because I can see
the baby trying to hold the glass. The baby will probably drop it and the glass may
break.)
 I'm going to see Ann soon. (This is my intention, but I don't have a specific day or
time to see her. I haven't made an arrangement yet.)

PRESENT CONTINUOUS:
Now, let's take a look at PRESENT CONTINUOUS for future.
We use present continuous for fixed plans with a definite time and /or place. It's used for
arrangements.

For example:
  I'm meeting Paul at the movies at 8.
 Sarah is starting university on September 25th.

-In sentence 1, I mention a specific time: At eight.

-And, in sentence 2, I mention a specific day: September 25 th.
-Both of them are arranged for a definite or specific time.

In conclusion:
-Both tenses are used for planned activities, but the main difference is the following:
-BE GOING TO is used for predictions and intentions.
-PRESENT CONTINUOUS is used for arrangements.

BE GOING TO:
Let's see more examples:

We go first with BE GOING TO:

Look at this example:

 In the morning, I think about my birthday and I decide to have a party.
Later that day, I talk to my friend Mark about my intention: I have decided to have a
party. I'm going to invite lots of people.

Now, pay attention:

-We use (be) going to when we have already decided to do something. The intention is
to do it, but perhaps it is not arranged yet.

Now, look at this other example:

 I look at the sky and see that there are black clouds. Usually, when there are black
clouds, it eventually rains. So, I make a prediction. Look at the sky! It's going
to rain.

Now, pay attention:

-We use (be) going to to predict something is going to happen based on evidence.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS:
Now, let's see some PRESENT CONTINUOUS for future.

Look at this example:

 Look at my agenda! There is an activity arranged for tomorrow: I'm playing tennis
tomorrow morning.

Pay attention:
-We use present continuous:
- am/is /are + -ing for scheduled activities in the future (tomorrow /next week, etc).
* It has a specific day and time in the agenda.
Look at this second example:
 Sheyla is going to the dentist on Friday. (She has an appointment to see the
dentist. It is not only in Sheyla's agenda. It is also in the doctor's agenda.)

Well, this is the end of the video. Let's continue with some practice!