Future with Going to & Present Continuous Guide

1. Introduction to Future Forms

English has several ways to talk about the future. Two of the most common informal forms are going to and the present continuous tense.

Both forms are used to talk about planned future actions in informal situations. Understanding how to use them correctly will help you:

• Sound more natural in everyday conversations
• Talk about your plans and arrangements clearly
• Distinguish between formal and informal future forms
• Improve your performance in speaking and writing tests

The Big Picture

Situation	Form to Use
Formal or official	will (future simple)
Informal, unplanned	will (future simple)
Informal, planned	going to OR present continuous

Basic Examples

Using Going to	Using Present Continuous
I’m going to visit my family on Sunday.	I’m visiting my family on Sunday.
We’re going to meet at the mall.	We’re meeting at the mall tomorrow.
She’s going to fly to Lisbon in July.	She’s flying to Lisbon in July.

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2. Core Concept: Planned Actions in Informal Settings

The most important rule is that both going to and present continuous are used for:

1. Informal situations – conversations with friends, colleagues, and family
2. Planned actions – things decided in advance

What Is a Planned Action?

A planned action is something you have already decided to do. You know about it before the moment of speaking.

#	Planned Action	Explanation
1	I’m going to visit my family on Sunday.	The plan is made; the family is expecting you.
2	We’re flying to Lisbon in July.	Tickets are booked; the plan is set.
3	They’re having a party on Saturday night.	Invitations are sent; the party is planned.
4	She’s going to start her new job on Monday.	The starting date is confirmed.
5	He’s meeting the client at 2:00.	The meeting is in the calendar.
6	I’m going to buy a new laptop tomorrow.	The purchase is planned.
7	We’re moving to Dhaka next month.	The move is arranged.
8	She’s going to apply for the scholarship.	The decision is already made.
9	They’re renovating the house this summer.	The renovation is scheduled.
10	He’s going to propose to her tonight.	The proposal is planned.

What Is an Unplanned Action?

An unplanned action is decided at the moment of speaking. For these, use will.

#	Unplanned Action	Explanation
1	The phone is ringing. I’ll answer it.	Decided at that moment.
2	I’m hungry. I’ll make a sandwich.	Decided spontaneously.
3	It’s cold. I’ll close the window.	Immediate reaction.
4	That bag looks heavy. I’ll carry it.	Spontaneous offer.
5	I forgot my notebook. I’ll go back and get it.	Decided just now.

Word Meaning Section

Word / Phrase	English Meaning	Bengali Meaning
Planned	arranged in advance	পরিকল্পিত
Unplanned	not arranged beforehand	অপরিকল্পিত
Arrangement	a plan for something	ব্যবস্থা
Intention	a plan to do something	ইচ্ছা বা সংকল্প
Prediction	saying what will happen	ভবিষ্যদ্বাণী
Informal	casual and relaxed	অনানুষ্ঠানিক

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3. When to Use Going to for Future

Situation 1: Planned Events

Use going to for events that are planned in advance.

#	Example	Explanation
1	I’m going to visit my family on Sunday.	The visit is arranged.
2	We’re going to meet at the mall.	The meeting place is decided.
3	She’s going to attend a conference next week.	The conference attendance is planned.
4	He’s going to buy a house next year.	The purchase is planned.
5	They’re going to get married in June.	The wedding is arranged.
6	I’m going to start a new course.	The course is planned.
7	She’s going to visit Paris in the spring.	The trip is arranged.
8	We’re going to launch the product next month.	The launch is scheduled.
9	He’s going to take his driving test.	The test is booked.
10	They’re going to open a restaurant.	The opening is planned.

Situation 2: Intentions

Use going to for intentions—things you plan or want to do.

#	Example	Explanation
1	I’m going to exercise every day.	This is an intention for the future.
2	She’s going to study English every day.	A personal intention.
3	He’s going to eat healthier.	An intention to change habits.
4	We’re going to save more money.	A financial intention.
5	They’re going to spend more time together.	A relationship intention.
6	I’m going to learn Spanish.	A learning goal.
7	She’s going to read more books.	A reading intention.
8	He’s going to quit smoking.	A health intention.
9	We’re going to travel more.	A lifestyle intention.
10	They’re going to volunteer at the shelter.	A community service intention.

Situation 3: Predictions Based on Evidence

Use going to for predictions when there is current evidence.

#	Example	Explanation
1	It’s going to rain tomorrow.	Dark clouds are visible.
2	The economy is going to improve.	Current trends show improvement.
3	He’s going to pass the exam.	He has studied hard.
4	The team is going to win.	They are playing well.
5	She’s going to have a baby.	Medical confirmation exists.
6	The company is going to grow.	Sales figures are rising.
7	The population is going to increase.	Census data shows growth.
8	Technology is going to change everything.	Current innovations suggest this.
9	The ice cream is going to melt.	It is hot outside.
10	The road is going to be busy.	There is heavy traffic now.

Situation 4: Informal Announcements

Use going to for casual announcements about plans.

#	Example	Explanation
1	I’m going to tell everyone the news tonight.	Informal plan to announce.
2	She’s going to surprise her parents.	Planned surprise.
3	We’re going to reveal the winner at noon.	Informal announcement plan.
4	He’s going to propose at dinner.	Planned proposal.
5	They’re going to announce their engagement.	Planned announcement.
6	I’m going to share the results with the team.	Planned sharing.
7	She’s going to tell her boss about the offer.	Planned conversation.
8	We’re going to publish the article tomorrow.	Planned publication.
9	He’s going to post the photos online.	Planned posting.
10	They’re going to broadcast the event live.	Planned broadcast.

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4. When to Use Present Continuous for Future

Situation 1: Fixed Arrangements

Use present continuous for fixed arrangements—things with a specific time and place.

#	Example	Explanation
1	I’m visiting my family on Sunday.	The day is fixed.
2	We’re flying to Lisbon in July.	The flight is booked.
3	They’re having a party on Saturday night.	The date is set.
4	He’s meeting the client at 2:00.	The time is fixed.
5	She’s starting her new job on Monday.	The start date is confirmed.
6	We’re moving to Dhaka next month.	The move is arranged.
7	They’re arriving at 8 p.m.	The arrival time is fixed.
8	I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow.	The appointment is booked.
9	She’s taking the exam on Friday.	The exam date is set.
10	He’s attending a wedding next weekend.	The attendance is planned.

Situation 2: Social Arrangements

Use present continuous for social plans and arrangements.

#	Example	Explanation
1	We’re having dinner with friends tonight.	Social plan.
2	She’s meeting her sister for coffee.	Arranged meeting.
3	They’re coming over for lunch on Sunday.	Planned visit.
4	He’s going to the game with his brother.	Social arrangement.
5	We’re having a barbecue this weekend.	Planned event.
6	She’s visiting her grandparents next week.	Planned visit.
7	They’re joining us for the movie.	Arranged activity.
8	I’m meeting my old classmates on Friday.	Planned reunion.
9	He’s taking her to the concert.	Planned outing.
10	We’re celebrating her birthday tomorrow.	Planned celebration.

Situation 3: Travel Arrangements

Use present continuous for travel plans with fixed schedules.

#	Example	Explanation
1	We’re flying to Lisbon in July.	Flight is booked.
2	She’s traveling to India next month.	Travel is arranged.
3	They’re driving to the coast on Friday.	Trip is planned.
4	He’s taking the train to Dhaka.	Travel is scheduled.
5	We’re going to Cox’s Bazar next week.	Holiday is planned.
6	She’s returning from London on Monday.	Return flight is booked.
7	They’re leaving for the airport at 6 a.m.	Departure is scheduled.
8	I’m visiting Rome this summer.	Trip is planned.
9	He’s going on a business trip.	Travel is arranged.
10	We’re staying at a resort in December.	Accommodation is booked.

Important Rule

When using present continuous for the future, always include a time marker (tomorrow, next week, on Friday, etc.). Without it, the sentence refers to the present.

Present Meaning	Future Meaning
We’re flying to Lisbon. (right now)	We’re flying to Lisbon in July. (future)
She’s working. (now)	She’s working tomorrow. (future)
They’re having dinner. (now)	They’re having dinner with us tonight. (future)

Time Markers for Future

Time Marker	Example
tomorrow	I’m working tomorrow.
tonight	She’s staying home tonight.
next week	We’re traveling next week.
next month	They’re moving next month.
in July	We’re flying in July.
on Friday	He’s arriving on Friday.
this weekend	She’s visiting this weekend.
at 8 p.m.	They’re leaving at 8 p.m.
this summer	We’re vacationing this summer.
later today	He’s calling later today.

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5. Grammar Structure: Going to

Basic Formula

Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb

Affirmative Sentences

Subject	Contraction	Example
I	I’m going to work	I’m going to work tomorrow.
You	You’re going to work	You’re going to work late.
We	We’re going to work	We’re going to work together.
They	They’re going to work	They’re going to work hard.
He	He’s going to work	He’s going to work from home.
She	She’s going to work	She’s going to work all day.
It	It’s going to work	It’s going to work perfectly.

Negative Sentences

Subject	Form 1	Form 2
I	I’m not going to work	–
You	You’re not going to work	You aren’t going to work
We	We’re not going to work	We aren’t going to work
They	They’re not going to work	They aren’t going to work
He	He’s not going to work	He isn’t going to work
She	She’s not going to work	She isn’t going to work
It	It’s not going to work	It isn’t going to work

Questions

Question Type	Structure	Example
Yes/No	Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base verb?	Are you going to work?
Yes/No	Is + subject + going to + base verb?	Is she going to work?
WH	WH word + am/is/are + subject + going to + base verb?	When are you going to work?

5 WH-Question Examples with Answers

#	WH Question	Possible Answer
1	When are you going to work?	I’m going to work tomorrow.
2	Where are they going to stay?	They’re going to stay at a hotel.
3	What is she going to study?	She’s going to study medicine.
4	Why is he going to leave?	He’s going to leave for a meeting.
5	How are you going to travel?	I’m going to travel by train.

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6. Grammar Structure: Present Continuous for Future

Basic Formula

Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing + time marker

Affirmative Sentences

Subject	Contraction	Example
I	I’m working tomorrow	I’m working tomorrow.
You	You’re working next week	You’re working next week.
We	We’re working next week	We’re working next week.
They	They’re working next week	They’re working next week.
He	He’s working next week	He’s working next week.
She	She’s working next week	She’s working next week.
It	It’s working next week	It’s working next week.

Negative Sentences

Subject	Form 1	Form 2
I	I’m not working next week	–
You	You’re not working next week	You aren’t working next week
We	We’re not working next week	We aren’t working next week
They	They’re not working next week	They aren’t working next week
He	He’s not working next week	He isn’t working next week
She	She’s not working next week	She isn’t working next week
It	It’s not working next week	It isn’t working next week

Questions

Question Type	Structure	Example
Yes/No	Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing + time marker?	Are you working tomorrow?
Yes/No	Is + subject + verb-ing + time marker?	Is she working tomorrow?
WH	WH word + am/is/are + subject + verb-ing + time marker?	When are you working?

5 WH-Question Examples with Answers

#	WH Question	Possible Answer
1	When are you working?	I’m working on Tuesday.
2	Where are they staying?	They’re staying at the Hilton.
3	What is she doing tomorrow?	She’s attending a meeting.
4	Why is he leaving early?	He’s catching a flight.
5	How are you getting there?	I’m taking the train.

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7. Contractions in Going to and Present Continuous

Positive Contractions

Full Form	Contraction	Example
I am	I’m	I’m going to work.
You are	You’re	You’re working tomorrow.
We are	We’re	We’re going to travel.
They are	They’re	They’re moving next month.
He is	He’s	He’s going to study.
She is	She’s	She’s working late.
It is	It’s	It’s going to rain.

Negative Contractions

Full Form	Contraction 1	Contraction 2
I am not	I’m not	–
You are not	You’re not	You aren’t
We are not	We’re not	We aren’t
They are not	They’re not	They aren’t
He is not	He’s not	He isn’t
She is not	She’s not	She isn’t
It is not	It’s not	It isn’t

How Contractions Are Formed

Full Form	Contraction	What Happened
You are	You’re	The “a” is removed and an apostrophe is added.
He is	He’s	The “i” is removed and an apostrophe is added.
You are not	You’re not	“Are” is contracted.
You are not	You aren’t	“Not” is contracted.

Pronunciation Tips

Contraction	Pronunciation Note
I’m	Rhymes with “time.”
You’re	Sounds like “your.”
We’re	Rhymes with “fear.”
They’re	Sounds like “there.”
He’s	Sounds like “heez.”
She’s	Sounds like “sheez.”
Aren’t	Pronounce “ar-ent.”
Isn’t	Pronounce “iz-ent.”

Note on “Gonna”

In very casual speech, going to is sometimes pronounced gonna. This is slang and should not be used in formal or academic writing.

Formal/Informal Writing	Casual Slang
He’s going to call you.	He’s gonna call you.
I’m going to study.	I’m gonna study.
We’re going to leave.	We’re gonna leave.

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8. Spelling Rules for Adding -ing

Rule 1: Most Verbs

Add -ing directly.

Base Verb	Verb-ing	Example
work	working	I’m working tomorrow.
play	playing	He’s playing golf today.
study	studying	She’s studying tonight.
watch	watching	We’re watching a movie later.
read	reading	He’s reading tonight.
walk	walking	They’re walking to school.
talk	talking	She’s talking to him tomorrow.
learn	learning	I’m learning English this year.
sleep	sleeping	The baby is sleeping soon.
eat	eating	We’re eating at 7 p.m.

Rule 2: Verbs Ending in “e”

Drop the e and add -ing.

Base Verb	Verb-ing	Example
drive	driving	She’s driving to Florida next week.
take	taking	I’m taking the exam tomorrow.
make	making	He’s making dinner tonight.
write	writing	She’s writing a report later.
come	coming	They’re coming over tomorrow.
leave	leaving	We’re leaving at 6 a.m.
give	giving	He’s giving a presentation.
dance	dancing	She’s dancing at the show.
bake	baking	They’re baking a cake.
move	moving	We’re moving next month.

Rule 3: Verbs Ending in “ie”

Change ie to y and add -ing.

Base Verb	Verb-ing	Example
lie	lying	He’s lying down later.
tie	tying	She’s tying the ribbon.
die	dying	The plant is dying.

Rule 4: Verbs Ending in Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC)

Double the last consonant and add -ing.

Base Verb	Verb-ing	Example
run	running	He’s running a marathon next week.
swim	swimming	They’re swimming tomorrow.
sit	sitting	She’s sitting with us.
get	getting	He’s getting married.
stop	stopping	We’re stopping at the store.
plan	planning	They’re planning a trip.
cut	cutting	She’s cutting her hair.
put	putting	He’s putting up shelves.
shop	shopping	We’re shopping this weekend.
begin	beginning	The class is beginning soon.

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9. Short Answers in Going to and Present Continuous

Formula

Question	Positive Short Answer	Negative Short Answer
Are they going to call you?	Yes, they are.	No, they’re not. / No, they aren’t.
Is Maria joining us for dinner?	Yes, she is.	No, she’s not. / No, she isn’t.
Are you leaving soon?	Yes, I am.	No, I’m not.
Is he working tomorrow?	Yes, he is.	No, he’s not. / No, he isn’t.
Are we meeting at 5?	Yes, we are.	No, we’re not. / No, we aren’t.

Rules

1. In positive short answers, use the full form: Yes, I am. Do not say Yes, I’m.
2. In negative short answers, use contractions: No, I’m not.
3. Take the form of “be” from the question.

8 Examples of Short Answers

Question	Positive Answer	Negative Answer
Are you going to work?	Yes, I am.	No, I’m not.
Is she coming tomorrow?	Yes, she is.	No, she’s not.
Are they staying long?	Yes, they are.	No, they aren’t.
Is he going to call?	Yes, he is.	No, he isn’t.
Are we leaving now?	Yes, we are.	No, we’re not.
Is it going to rain?	Yes, it is.	No, it isn’t.
Are you joining us?	Yes, I am.	No, I’m not.
Is she attending?	Yes, she is.	No, she isn’t.

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10. Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Error 1: Wrong Word Order in Questions

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
When they are arriving?	When are they arriving?	Invert subject and “be” in questions.
What time he is coming?	What time is he coming?	Use correct question order.
Where she is going?	Where is she going?	Invert subject and “be.”

Error 2: Missing “Going to”

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
They bring the drinks tomorrow.	They are going to bring the drinks tomorrow.	Add “going to” for planned future.
She travels next week.	She is going to travel next week.	Use “going to” for plans.

Error 3: Missing Verb “To Be”

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
She going to be happy.	She is going to be happy.	Add “is.”
They going to arrive late.	They are going to arrive late.	Add “are.”
He going to study.	He is going to study.	Add “is.”

Error 4: Spelling Confusion: Your vs. You’re

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Your going to be late.	You’re going to be late.	“You’re” = “you are.” “Your” = possessive.
Your working tomorrow.	You’re working tomorrow.	Use “you’re” not “your.”

Error 5: Using “Gonna” in Formal Writing

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He’s gonna call you later.	He’s going to call you later.	Avoid slang in formal contexts.
We’re gonna attend.	We’re going to attend.	Use full “going to.”

Error 6: Missing Time Marker in Present Continuous

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Donna is driving to Florida. (Future intended)	Donna is driving to Florida next week.	Add time marker for future meaning.
He is studying. (Future intended)	He is studying tomorrow.	Include future time marker.
We are having a party. (Future intended)	We are having a party on Saturday.	Add specific future time.

Error 7: Using “Will” Instead of Going to for Plans

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I will visit my family on Sunday. (Planned)	I’m going to visit my family on Sunday.	Use “going to” for planned actions.
She will meet the client at 2. (Planned)	She’s meeting the client at 2.	Use present continuous for fixed plans.

Error 8: Contraction in Positive Short Answer

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Yes, I’m.	Yes, I am.	No contraction in positive short answer.
Yes, she’s.	Yes, she is.	Use full form.

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11. Special Tips for Learners

Tip 1: Ask “Is This Planned?”

Before choosing the form, ask:

Was this action planned in advance?

• Yes → Use going to or present continuous
• No → Use will

Tip 2: Always Add a Time Marker with Present Continuous

When using present continuous for the future, always include a time expression:

• tomorrow
• next week
• on Friday
• tonight
• in July

Without a time marker, the sentence refers to the present.

Tip 3: Remember the Informal Context

Both going to and present continuous are informal future forms. Use them in:

• Conversations with friends
• Casual emails
• Text messages
• Informal workplace discussions

Tip 4: Use Contractions

In informal speech and writing, use contractions:

• I’m instead of I am
• You’re instead of you are
• He’s instead of he is

Tip 5: Master the “Be” Forms

Subject	Be Verb	Example
I	am	I’m going to work.
You	are	You’re working tomorrow.
We	are	We’re going to travel.
They	are	They’re moving next month.
He	is	He’s going to study.
She	is	She’s working late.
It	is	It’s going to rain.

Tip 6: Avoid “Gonna” in Formal Settings

Gonna is slang. Use it only with close friends in very casual conversation. In all other contexts, use going to.

Tip 7: Check for “Your” vs. “You’re”

Word	Meaning	Example
Your	possessive	Your book is here.
You’re	you are	You’re going to be late.

Tip 8: Practice Short Answers

Memorize these common patterns:

• Yes, I am.
• No, I’m not.
• Yes, they are.
• No, they aren’t.
• Yes, she is.
• No, she isn’t.

Tip 9: Use Time Markers to Show Future

The time marker is essential when using present continuous for the future. Place it at the end or beginning of the sentence.

Time Marker Position	Example
End	I’m meeting him tomorrow.
Beginning	Tomorrow, I’m meeting him.

Tip 10: Combine Forms for Variety

You can use both forms in different sentences to show planned actions:

I’m going to study tonight, and I’m meeting friends tomorrow.

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12. Tips for Competitive Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE

IELTS

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Speaking Part 1	Questions about future plans.	Use “going to” for intentions; present continuous for fixed arrangements.
Speaking Part 2	Describing a future event.	Use both forms to show planned actions.
Speaking Part 3	Discussing predictions about society.	Use “going to” for evidence-based predictions.
Writing Task 1	Describing future projections.	Use “going to” for predicted trends.
Writing Task 2	Discussing plans or intentions.	Use “going to” in examples; avoid contractions in formal essays.

TOEFL

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Listening	Campus conversations may include future plans.	Note whether the action is planned or spontaneous.
Speaking	Integrated tasks may require describing plans.	Use “going to” for intentions; present continuous for fixed plans.
Writing	Integrated writing may compare current and future.	Use appropriate future forms with time markers.

GRE

Skill	How It Is Tested	Strategy
Analytical Writing	Issue essays may discuss future implications.	Use formal future forms; avoid contractions.
Sentence Equivalence	Meaning depends on tense and modality.	Recognize how going to and present continuous differ.
Text Completion	Context clues indicate informal or formal tone.	Choose form based on formality of passage.

Exam Rules

• In formal writing, avoid contractions. Write I am going to, not I’m going to.
• Use present continuous for future only with a clear time marker.
• In speaking, use contractions naturally.
• For predictions, going to is common when evidence exists.
• Avoid “gonna” in all exam contexts.

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13. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete each sentence with the correct future form of the verb in brackets using going to.

1. John ______ (watch) TV tonight.
2. The kids ______ (not play) outside. (negative)
3. Susan ______ (go) to the store.
4. I ______ (visit) my family on Sunday.
5. She ______ (start) her new job on Monday.
6. We ______ (meet) at the mall tomorrow.
7. He ______ (study) medicine next year.
8. They ______ (get) married in June.
9. It ______ (rain) tomorrow. (prediction)
10. I ______ (exercise) every day. (intention)

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with Present Continuous

Complete each sentence with the correct present continuous form of the verb in brackets. Include a time marker.

1. He ______ (play) golf today.
2. We ______ (not stay) home tonight. (negative)
3. Jeff ______ (teach) a class tomorrow.
4. Donna ______ (drive) to Florida next week.
5. They ______ (have) a party on Saturday night.
6. She ______ (fly) to Lisbon in July.
7. I ______ (meet) him tomorrow.
8. We ______ (move) to Dhaka next month.
9. He ______ (arrive) at 8 p.m.
10. She ______ (attend) a wedding next weekend.

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the correct sentence.

1. Which sentence is correct for a planned action?
   a) I will visit my family on Sunday.
   b) I’m going to visit my family on Sunday.
   c) I visit my family on Sunday.
   d) I’m visit my family on Sunday.
2. Which sentence is correct for a fixed arrangement?
   a) We’re flying to Lisbon in July.
   b) We fly to Lisbon in July.
   c) We will flying to Lisbon in July.
   d) We’re fly to Lisbon in July.
3. Which short answer is correct?
   a) Yes, I’m.
   b) Yes, I am.
   c) Yes, I going.
   d) Yes, I am going.
4. Which sentence is correct?
   a) She going to be happy.
   b) She’s going to be happy.
   c) She is going to being happy.
   d) She’s going be happy.
5. Which sentence is correct?
   a) Your going to be late.
   b) You’re going to be late.
   c) You’re going be late.
   d) Your going be late.
6. Which sentence is correct?
   a) When they are arriving?
   b) When are they arriving?
   c) When they arriving?
   d) When are they arrive?
7. Which sentence is correct for future?
   a) Donna is driving to Florida.
   b) Donna is driving to Florida next week.
   c) Donna drives to Florida next week.
   d) Donna is drive to Florida next week.
8. Which sentence is correct?
   a) He’s gonna call you later. (formal)
   b) He’s going to call you later.
   c) He going to call you later.
   d) He’s going call you later.
9. Which sentence is correct?
   a) They bring the drinks tomorrow.
   b) They are going to bring the drinks tomorrow.
   c) They are bring the drinks tomorrow.
   d) They going to bring the drinks tomorrow.
10. Which negative form is correct?
    a) We’re not staying home tonight.
    b) We’re not stay home tonight.
    c) We not staying home tonight.
    d) We’re no staying home tonight.

Exercise 4: Sentence Transformation / Error Correction

Rewrite each sentence correctly.

1. When they are arriving?
2. They bring the drinks tomorrow.
3. She going to be happy.
4. Your going to be late.
5. He’s gonna call you later. (formal)
6. Donna is driving to Florida. (future intended)
7. Yes, I’m.
8. I will visit my family on Sunday. (planned)
9. We are having a party. (future intended)
10. She traveling next week.

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14. Answer Key with Explanations

Exercise 1 Answers

1. John is going to watch TV tonight.
   Explanation: Planned action; “is going to” with he.
2. The kids aren’t going to play outside.
   Explanation: Negative with “aren’t going to.”
3. Susan is going to go to the store.
   Explanation: Verb “go” with “going to” gives “going to go.”
4. I’m going to visit my family on Sunday.
   Explanation: Planned action with “going to.”
5. She’s going to start her new job on Monday.
   Explanation: Planned action.
6. We’re going to meet at the mall tomorrow.
   Explanation: Planned meeting.
7. He’s going to study medicine next year.
   Explanation: Planned study.
8. They’re going to get married in June.
   Explanation: Planned wedding.
9. It’s going to rain tomorrow.
   Explanation: Prediction based on evidence.
10. I’m going to exercise every day.
    Explanation: Intention.

Exercise 2 Answers

1. He’s playing golf today.
   Explanation: Present continuous with time marker “today.”
2. We’re not staying home tonight.
   Explanation: Negative present continuous with time marker.
3. Jeff is teaching a class tomorrow.
   Explanation: Present continuous with time marker “tomorrow.”
4. Donna is driving to Florida next week.
   Explanation: Present continuous with time marker.
5. They’re having a party on Saturday night.
   Explanation: Present continuous with time marker.
6. She’s flying to Lisbon in July.
   Explanation: Present continuous with time marker.
7. I’m meeting him tomorrow.
   Explanation: Present continuous with time marker.
8. We’re moving to Dhaka next month.
   Explanation: Present continuous with time marker.
9. He’s arriving at 8 p.m.
   Explanation: Present continuous with specific time.
10. She’s attending a wedding next weekend.
    Explanation: Present continuous with time marker.

Exercise 3 Answers

1. b) I’m going to visit my family on Sunday.
   Explanation: Planned action requires going to.
2. a) We’re flying to Lisbon in July.
   Explanation: Fixed arrangement with present continuous and time marker.
3. b) Yes, I am.
   Explanation: No contraction in positive short answer.
4. b) She’s going to be happy.
   Explanation: Include “is” and use going to with base verb.
5. b) You’re going to be late.
   Explanation: Use “you’re” not “your.”
6. b) When are they arriving?
   Explanation: Correct question word order.
7. b) Donna is driving to Florida next week.
   Explanation: Include time marker for future meaning.
8. b) He’s going to call you later.
   Explanation: Avoid slang “gonna” in formal contexts.
9. b) They are going to bring the drinks tomorrow.
   Explanation: Use going to for planned future.
10. a) We’re not staying home tonight.
    Explanation: Correct negative present continuous.

Exercise 4 Answers

1. When are they arriving?
   Explanation: Invert subject and “are” in questions.
2. They are going to bring the drinks tomorrow.
   Explanation: Add going to for planned future.
3. She is going to be happy.
   Explanation: Add “is” before going to.
4. You’re going to be late.
   Explanation: Use “you’re” for “you are.”
5. He’s going to call you later.
   Explanation: Use full “going to” instead of “gonna.”
6. Donna is driving to Florida next week.
   Explanation: Add time marker for future meaning.
7. Yes, I am.
   Explanation: No contraction in positive short answer.
8. I’m going to visit my family on Sunday.
   Explanation: Use going to for planned action.
9. We’re having a party on Saturday.
   Explanation: Add time marker for future meaning.
10. She is traveling next week.
    Explanation: Add “is” for correct structure.

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15. Conclusion

The two informal ways to talk about planned future actions are going to and the present continuous tense. Both are used in casual conversations, friendly messages, and informal workplace communication.

Key points to remember:

• Use going to for intentions, plans, and predictions with evidence
• Use present continuous for fixed arrangements with specific times and places
• Both forms are informal and usually use contractions
• Always include a time marker when using present continuous for the future
• Use will for formal situations and unplanned decisions
• Positive short answers use full form: Yes, I am
• Negative short answers use contractions: No, I’m not

By mastering these two forms, you can talk about your future plans naturally and confidently. This skill is essential for clear communication and for success in exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, and GRE.

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Call to Action: Write five sentences about your future plans. Use going to for two intentions, present continuous for two fixed arrangements, and include appropriate time markers. Review your work with a teacher or study partner for accuracy.