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Lesson 40 - 'Going to' and the future continuous

Remember It

The present continuous

The future continuous

The future continuous is formed using the present continuous form + a future time.

We use the future continuous when we intend or plan to do something at a specific time in the future.

For example:-

I'm picking him up at the airport this afternoon.
I'm flying to England tomorrow.

Statements
Positive
He's working next week.
Negative
He isn't working next week.
Questions
Closed questions
Is he working on Sunday?
Open questions
What is he doing on Sunday?

Going to

The future using 'going to' is formed using 'subject + to be + going to + infinitive'.

We use 'going to' when we intend or plan to do something some time in the future.

For example:-

I'm going to study English literature.

!Note - We don't usually say "going to go to a place or event", instead you can drop the go to and just say "going to + a place or event".

For example:-

I'm going to England.
I'm going to the concert.

Statements
Positive
He's going to work next week.
Negative
He isn't going to work next week.
Questions
Closed questions
Is he going to work on Sunday?
Open questions
What is he going to do on Sunday?

Rhymes and Songs

Precocious Piggy
by Thomas Hodd

Where are you going to, you little pig?

"I'm leaving my mother, I'm growing so big!"

So big, you young pig.
So young, so big!
What! leaving your mother, you foolish young pig?

Where are you going to, you little pig?

"I've got a new spade, and I'm going to dig!"

To dig, little pig!
A little pig dig!
Well, I never saw a pig with a spade, that could dig!

Where are you going to, you little pig?

"Why I'm going to have a nice ride in a gig!"

In a gig, little pig!
What! a pig in a gig!
Well, I never yet saw a pig ride in a gig!

Where are you going, you little pig?

"I'm going to the barber's to buy me a wig."

A wig, little pig!
A pig in a wig!
Why, whoever before saw a pig in a wig?

Where are you going, you little pig?

"I'm going to the ball to dance a fine jig!"

A jig, little pig!
A pig dance a jig!
Well, I never before saw a pig dance a jig!

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!Note We also use 'going to' when we can see that something is certain or likely to happen. For example:- Watch out! He's going to crash! Let's not go out, it's going to rain.

Test It

Test what you have learnt - Complete the sentences

For homework read and do the exercises in Essential Grammar in Use (Unit 26 and 27 - Pages 60 and 62 - Answers on Page 271)

Practice It

On the forum - Tell me something you have planned for the future.

This is a fun song that illustrates the use of going to and will.

Next lesson - Trains and boats and planes

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January 2005