7.

Going to and Present

Continuous for the future
When do we use going to and the Present
Continuous?
We use going to to talk about intentions and plans, and the
Present Continuous to talk about arrangements.

I’m going to buy a new bike soon.

We’re going to work hard at school this year.

They’re meeting at the bus stop

at 10 o’clock tomorrow.

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 How many plans and intentions does Jake mention?
How many arrangements?

There’s a school holiday next week. I’m staying with

my grandparents because my mum’s working all
week. We’re spending Monday at a theme park –
they bought the tickets yesterday. I can’t wait! Next
time there’s a school holiday, Mum’s going to take
some time off work, and we’re going to visit
London. We’re going to go to Camden Market.

He mentions three plans and intentions. Look!

He mentions three arrangements.

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How do we make sentences with going to?
Going to
We use going to to talk
Affirmative I ’m going to (am going to) buy a new car. about intentions and plans
You/We/They ’re going to (are going to) go shopping. which will perhaps change
in the future..
He/She/It ’s going to (is going to) come home.
Negative I ’m not going to (am not going to) buy a new car.
You/We/They aren’t going to (are not going to) go shopping.
He/She/It isn’t going to (is not going to) come home.
Questions Am I going to buy a motorbike? Yes, I am. / No, I ’m not .
Are you/we/they going to go to a party? Yes, you/we/they are.
No, you/we/they aren’t .
Is he/she/it going to stay? Yes, he/she/it is .
No, he/she/it isn’t.
When are they going to visit Gran?

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How do we talk about arrangements with
the Present Continuous?
We often mention a time
Present Continuous and/or a place to show
Affirmative I ’m catching a train at six o’clock. that something is more
than just an intention.
The game ’s starting at 2.00.

Negative They aren’t working tomorrow.

Questions Are you going to the party at Mia’s house? Yes, I am . / No, I ’m not .

Time expressions
tonight, tomorrow,
next Monday/weekend,
on Thursday morning/afternoon

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 Practice Time
Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets.
Use going to or the Present Continuous.

1. I feel really unfashionable. I’m going to buy (buy) some new clothes when I’m next in town.

are you meeting (you/meet) Sasha?

2. A: Where ______________________ B: At the swimming pool.

’s going
3. Alice ______________________ (go) to the Meltdown concert. She bought her ticket last week.

isn’t going to apply (not apply) for anything until the autumn.
4. My dad wants a new job, but he ______________________

Are you going to join (you/join) any clubs this year?

5. A: ___________________________ am
B: Yes, I __________. ’m going to try
I ___________________________ (try) judo.

’s coming
6. Joe ______________________ (come) here tomorrow. What time did he say?

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