Printable Be Going To Exercises - 101 PDF Worksheets with Answers

Access a collection of 101 printable PDF worksheets focusing on the English grammar topic of the be going to. Download fill-in-the-blank tests with exercises and answer keys for be going to to print for free. The activities in the sheets are suitable for kids, adults, ESL learners at the beginner, elementary, and intermediate levels to practice English grammar.

1. Introduction to "Be Going To" in English

The English language offers several ways to talk about the future, each with its unique nuances and applications. Among these, "be going to" is a fundamental construction that plays a significant role in English grammar. Understanding and mastering "be going to" is essential for effective communication in both spoken and written English.

This essay aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of "be going to" in English grammar. We will delve into its structure, usage, and practical applications, catering to learners at various proficiency levels. By the end, you should have a solid grasp of how to use "be going to" with confidence in everyday conversations, formal contexts, and beyond.

2. Understanding the Future Tense

Before we delve into "be going to," it's crucial to understand the concept of the future tense in English grammar. The future tense is used to express actions or events that will happen at some point after the present moment. It is a versatile aspect of language that can convey various degrees of certainty, intention, and prediction regarding future events.

In English, the future tense can be expressed using different constructions, including "will," "be going to," the present continuous tense, and more. "Be going to" is one of the primary ways to talk about the future, and it often indicates intentions, plans, predictions, and future certainties.

3. The Structure of "Be Going To"

To use "be going to" effectively, it's crucial to understand its basic structure. "Be going to" is formed using three main components: the appropriate form of the verb "be," the word "going," and the base form of the main verb. Let's break down the structure:

[Subject] + [Form of "Be"] + [Going] + [To] + [Base Form of Verb]

For example:

I am going to travel.
She is going to study.
They are going to visit.

4. Forming "Be Going To" Sentences

To create sentences using "be going to," follow these steps:

Begin with the subject of the sentence, which can be a person, thing, or entity.
Select the appropriate form of the verb "be" based on the subject:
I am
You are
He/She/It is
We are
They are
Add "going" after the form of "be."
Include "to" before the base form of the main verb.
Conclude the sentence with the base form of the main verb.

5. The Role of "Be" in "Be Going To"

The role of the verb "be" in "be going to" is to establish the subject's identity, clarify the tense, and convey information about the subject's characteristics or state. The form of "be" (am, is, are) depends on the subject of the sentence. It is crucial to select the correct form of "be" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

For instance, if the subject is "I," you would use "am" as in "I am going to travel." If the subject is "She," you would use "is" as in "She is going to study." Similarly, "They are going to visit" uses "are" because the subject is "They."

6. The Significance of "Going To" in the Future Tense

The inclusion of "going to" in the future tense is a crucial element that distinguishes it from other future constructions like "will." "Going to" indicates a strong sense of intention or plan to perform an action in the future. It often implies that the speaker has already made preparations or has a clear idea of what they intend to do.

"Be going to" is particularly useful when discussing future events that are the result of current decisions, arrangements, or observations. It conveys a sense of predictability and certainty about the intended action.

7. "Be Going To" vs. Other Future Tenses

To appreciate the importance of "be going to," let's briefly compare it to other future tenses in English:

"Will" Future:
"I will travel."

The "will" future is more general and is often used for spontaneous decisions or predictions based on the speaker's judgment. It lacks the specific intention implied by "be going to."

Present Continuous Future:
"I am traveling."

The present continuous future is used to express planned future events, often with an element of immediacy. However, "be going to" is typically more suitable for discussing future intentions.

Future Perfect:
"I will have traveled."

The future perfect tense is used to describe actions that will be completed before a certain point in the future. It is not focused on intentions or plans like "be going to."

In summary, while English offers various ways to express the future, "be going to" stands out for its specificity and emphasis on intentions and plans.

8. Describing Future Intentions with "Be Going To"

One of the primary functions of "be going to" is to express future intentions. When using "be going to" for this purpose, you are indicating your determination or decision to carry out a specific action in the future. Here are some examples:

I am going to start a new job next week.
She is going to buy a new car.
They are going to attend the conference.

In each of these sentences, the speakers have clear intentions to perform the stated actions. "Be going to" helps convey their commitment to these future plans.

9. Expressing Future Plans with "Be Going To"

"Be going to" is also commonly used to talk about future plans. Plans involve organized activities or events that people have scheduled for a future date. Using "be going to" in this context communicates that the event is already arranged or that preparations have been made. Consider these examples:

We are going to have a picnic on Saturday.
He is going to book a flight for his vacation.
They are going to celebrate their anniversary at a fancy restaurant.

In each case, "be going to" emphasizes the premeditated nature of the events, highlighting the planning and preparation that has gone into them.

10. "Be Going To" for Predictions and Predictive Expressions

While "be going to" is primarily used for expressing intentions and plans, it is also employed for making predictions about future events based on present evidence or observations. In such cases, "be going to" can be paired with predictive expressions to indicate a likely future outcome. Examples of predictive expressions include "I think," "I believe," "It looks like," and "It seems that."

Here are some examples of "be going to" used for predictions:

I think it's going to rain later today.
She believes her team is going to win the championship.
It looks like they are going to expand their business.

In these sentences, "be going to" is combined with the predictive expressions to suggest future outcomes that appear likely based on current information.

11. Using "Be Going To" for Future Certainty

Another important use of "be going to" is to express future certainties. When you are confident that a particular event will happen in the future, "be going to" helps convey this assurance. It indicates that there is strong evidence or clear indications pointing towards the specified outcome.

Consider these examples:

The sky is dark, and the clouds are heavy. It's going to storm.
He hasn't studied for the exam at all. He's going to fail.
She's been practicing diligently. She's going to perform brilliantly at the concert.

In each case, the speakers express high levels of certainty about the future events, making "be going to" the ideal choice to convey this confidence.

12. Forming Positive Statements with "Be Going To"

Constructing positive statements with "be going to" is straightforward. Follow the structure we discussed earlier and keep these points in mind:

Start with the subject of the sentence.
Choose the appropriate form of "be" based on the subject.
Add "going" after the form of "be."
Include "to" before the base form of the main verb.

Here are some positive examples:

I am going to visit my grandparents.
They are going to host a party.
She is going to learn a new language.

By following these steps, you can create positive statements that effectively convey your future intentions, plans, predictions, or certainties.

13. Forming Negative Statements with "Be Going To"

Constructing negative statements with "be going to" involves the addition of the word "not" after the form of "be." The structure remains similar to positive statements:

Start with the subject of the sentence.
Choose the appropriate form of "be" based on the subject.
Add "not" after the form of "be."
Include "going" after the form of "be."
Insert "to" before the base form of the main verb.

Here are some negative examples:

I am not going to eat fast food anymore.
They are not going to participate in the competition.
He is not going to lend his car to anyone.

These negative statements allow you to express your lack of intention, plan, prediction, or certainty regarding future actions or events.

14. Asking Questions with "Be Going To"

In English, questions can be formed using "be going to" to seek information or clarification about future actions or events. To construct questions with "be going to," you can follow these steps:

Begin with the appropriate question word (e.g., who, what, when, where, why, how).
Insert the form of "be" based on the subject.
Add "going" after the form of "be."
Include "to" before the base form of the main verb.

Here are some examples of questions with "be going to":

What are you going to do this weekend?
When is she going to finish her project?
Where are they going to spend their vacation?

By using these question structures, you can gather information about future plans, intentions, or events in a conversation.

15. Responding to Questions about Future Intentions

When responding to questions about your future intentions or plans, you can use "be going to" to provide clear and concise answers. The structure of your response mirrors the question, with the appropriate form of "be" for your subject:

Question: What are you going to do this weekend?

Response: I am going to visit my family.

Question: When is she going to finish her project?

Response: She is going to finish it by Friday.

Question: Where are they going to spend their vacation?

Response: They are going to spend it in Hawaii.

16. Using "Be Going To" for Future Predictions

As previously mentioned, "be going to" is often used for making predictions about future events. To express predictions with "be going to," you can use phrases like "I think," "I believe," "It looks like," or "It seems that" before the construction. This combination helps convey the speaker's perspective and certainty about the prediction.

Here are some examples:

I think they are going to win the game.
It looks like she is going to get that promotion.
I believe the price of oil is going to rise.

In these sentences, the predictive expressions make it clear that the speaker is offering an opinion or observation about what is likely to happen in the future.

17. Common Time Expressions with "Be Going To"

To provide context and specify when a future event will occur, it is common to use time expressions with "be going to." These time expressions clarify the timeframe in which the action or event is expected to take place. Some common time expressions include:

Tomorrow
We are going to the beach tomorrow.

Next week/month/year
They are going to move to a new house next year.

Soon
He is going to complete the project soon.

In the near future
We are going to launch the product in the near future.

By [specific date or time]
She is going to finish her book by the end of the month.

These time expressions help anchor the future action within a particular timeframe, making the communication more precise and informative.

18. Using "Be Going To" for Making Promises

"Be going to" can also be used to make promises about future actions or commitments. When someone uses "be going to" to make a promise, it indicates a firm commitment to follow through on a particular action. Promises can be made in both formal and informal settings.

Here are some examples:

I am going to help you with your project; you can count on me.
We are going to make sure your event is a success.
He is going to take care of the problem as soon as possible.

By using "be going to" in promises, speakers convey their dedication and assurance that they will fulfill their commitments in the future.

19. Describing Future Goals with "Be Going To"

In addition to expressing intentions and plans, "be going to" is a valuable tool for discussing future goals and aspirations. When talking about personal or professional objectives, "be going to" allows you to articulate your determination to achieve these goals.

Here are some examples:

I am going to learn to play the piano this year.
They are going to start their own business in the future.
She is going to become a successful writer.

In these sentences, "be going to" communicates the speaker's strong desire and commitment to realizing their future goals.

20. The Role of "Be Going To" in Daily Conversations

"Be going to" is a common and versatile construction that frequently appears in everyday conversations. Whether you're chatting with friends, discussing plans with colleagues, or making arrangements with family members, "be going to" helps you convey your intentions and share information about future events with ease.

Consider these examples of "be going to" in everyday conversations:

Informal Conversation: "I'm going to grab a coffee. Do you want one?"
Professional Discussion: "We're going to have a team meeting at 3 PM to discuss the project."
Family Interaction: "We're all going to the park this weekend for a picnic."

In each context, "be going to" plays a crucial role in conveying future actions or events clearly and concisely.

21. "Be Going To" in Formal and Informal Language

"Be going to" is a flexible construction that can be used in both formal and informal language. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various communication settings. Whether you're writing an academic paper, having a casual conversation, or participating in a business meeting, "be going to" can be employed to express future intentions, plans, predictions, and certainties.

Here's an example to illustrate the use of "be going to" in both formal and informal language:

Formal Language: "The company is going to implement new policies to enhance productivity."
Informal Language: "I'm going to try out that new restaurant downtown; I've heard it's fantastic."

In these sentences, "be going to" seamlessly adapts to the formality of the context while conveying the intended message about future actions or events.

22. Politeness and "Be Going To"

Politeness plays a vital role in language, especially in formal and professional interactions. When using "be going to" in formal contexts, it's essential to frame your statements and questions politely. Polite language helps maintain respect and professionalism in communication.

Consider these examples:

Less Polite: "I am going to need those reports by tomorrow."

Polite: "I would appreciate it if I could have those reports by tomorrow, please."

Less Polite: "Are you going to attend the meeting?"

Polite: "May I ask if you have plans to attend the meeting?"

Politeness ensures that your use of "be going to" in formal settings is courteous and respectful, fostering positive communication.

23. Using "Be Going To" for Announcing Plans

Announcing plans is another common use of "be going to." Whether you're sharing your own plans or informing others about upcoming events, "be going to" helps you make these announcements clearly and confidently.

Here are some examples of plan announcements:

"I'm going to throw a surprise birthday party for her."
"They're going to renovate the office next month."
"He's going to take a year off to travel."

By using "be going to" in plan announcements, you provide information about future events while emphasizing your commitment to these plans.

24. "Be Going To" in Present and Future Comparisons

"Be going to" is also useful for drawing comparisons between current situations and future intentions or expectations. This can help highlight changes or developments that are expected to occur. When comparing the present to the future using "be going to," you typically use the present tense to describe the current situation and "be going to" to express the future intention or expectation.

Consider these examples:

Present Comparison: "The company is facing financial challenges."

Future Comparison: "However, they are going to implement cost-saving measures next quarter."

Present Comparison: "He is currently studying law."

Future Comparison: "In the future, he is going to specialize in environmental law."

Present Comparison: "We have a small garden."

Future Comparison: "We're going to plant more flowers in it next spring."

In these comparisons, "be going to" provides a clear contrast between the present and the anticipated future, allowing the speaker to highlight changes or developments.

25. Short Forms in "Be Going To" Sentences

In informal language and casual conversations, it is common to use contractions to make speech more natural and efficient. When using "be going to," you can apply contractions to the forms of "be" to create shorter, more conversational sentences. Here are the contracted forms of "be going to":

I'm (I am)
You're (You are)
He's (He is)
She's (She is)
It's (It is)
We're (We are)
They're (They are)

Using contractions in "be going to" sentences results in a smoother and more colloquial flow, as seen in these examples:

"I'm going to the store. Do you need anything?"
"She's going to finish the report today."
"They're going to meet us at the café."

While contractions are often used in spoken English, it's important to be aware of the context and formality level to determine when to use them appropriately.

26. Using "Be Going To" in Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences, which express hypothetical situations and their outcomes, can also incorporate "be going to." When "be going to" is used in conditional sentences, it typically appears in the main clause, while the conditional clause uses a condition or situation.

Here are examples of "be going to" in conditional sentences:

Zero Conditional (Factual or General Truth):
If water reaches its boiling point, it is going to turn into steam.

First Conditional (Possible Future Outcome):
If he doesn't study, he's going to fail the exam.

Second Conditional (Unlikely or Hypothetical Outcome):
If I won the lottery, I would go on a world tour.

Third Conditional (Past Hypothetical Outcome):
If they had invested in that stock, they would have gone bankrupt.

In these examples, "be going to" is incorporated into conditional sentences to express various levels of certainty and hypothetical situations.

27. Advanced Usage of "Be Going To"

As learners become more proficient in English, they can explore advanced uses of "be going to" to convey nuanced meanings and shades of certainty. Advanced usage includes:

Speculating About the Near Future:
"The phone is ringing. Who could be calling at this hour?"

In this example, "could be" is used to speculate about the immediate future.

Expressing Gradual Change:
"She's going to get better at playing the piano with practice."

This usage emphasizes the gradual improvement expected in the future.

Reporting Future Events:
"The news anchor said that the president is going to address the nation tomorrow."

"Be going to" is employed in reported speech to convey future actions or events as reported by someone else.

Making Assumptions:
"The car is making strange noises. It's going to need repairs."

Assumptions about future actions are made based on current observations.

Discussing Personal Predictions:
"I've analyzed the market trends, and I'm going to invest in technology stocks."

Personal predictions about future actions or investments are made with confidence.

These advanced uses of "be going to" allow learners to convey subtle meanings and express themselves more precisely in various contexts.

28. Teaching "Be Going To" to English Learners

When teaching "be going to" to English learners, educators should follow a structured approach that gradually introduces and reinforces the concept. Here is a suggested framework for teaching "be going to":

Introduction: Begin by explaining the basic structure of "be going to" and its primary functions: expressing intentions, plans, predictions, and certainties.

Examples and Practice: Provide clear examples of positive and negative statements, questions, and responses using "be going to." Encourage students to practice forming sentences in each category.

Contextual Use: Explore various contexts in which "be going to" can be used, such as future intentions, plans, and predictions. Share real-life scenarios and have students create sentences based on those contexts.

Contractions: Introduce the contracted forms of "be going to" and discuss when and where they are commonly used. Have students practice both the full and contracted forms.

Politeness: Explain the importance of politeness in communication and teach students how to frame statements and questions politely when using "be going to" in formal contexts.

Time Expressions: Teach students common time expressions that are used with "be going to" to specify when future events will happen. Encourage them to use these expressions in sentences.

Conditional Sentences: Introduce "be going to" in conditional sentences and provide examples for various conditional types (zero, first, second, third). Practice creating conditional sentences using "be going to."

Advanced Usage: For more advanced learners, explore the nuanced uses of "be going to," such as speculating about the near future, expressing gradual change, and making assumptions.

Role-Play and Conversations: Engage students in role-play activities and conversations where they can apply "be going to" in practical scenarios. This helps reinforce their understanding and confidence in using the construction.

Feedback and Correction: Provide constructive feedback on students' usage of "be going to," correcting any errors and helping them refine their language skills.

Assessment: Assess students' comprehension and usage of "be going to" through quizzes, assignments, or speaking assessments to gauge their progress.

29. Building Confidence in Using "Be Going To"

Building confidence in using "be going to" requires practice, exposure, and a supportive learning environment. To help learners gain confidence, consider these strategies:

Repetition: Encourage students to practice forming "be going to" sentences regularly. The more they practice, the more confident they will become.

Real-Life Scenarios: Use real-life scenarios and dialogues to show how native speakers use "be going to" in everyday conversations. This helps learners see the practical application of the construction.

Interactive Activities: Engage students in interactive activities, such as pair or group discussions, debates, and role-play exercises. This allows them to apply "be going to" in a conversational context.

Listening and Speaking: Incorporate listening comprehension exercises that involve native speakers using "be going to." Encourage students to mimic pronunciation and intonation to improve their speaking skills.

Feedback and Encouragement: Provide positive feedback and encouragement when students use "be going to" correctly. Constructive feedback on errors helps them improve.

Writing Exercises: Assign writing tasks that require the use of "be going to." This helps students practice both written and spoken forms of the construction.

Language Partners: Encourage students to find language partners or conversation buddies with whom they can practice using "be going to" in real conversations.

Media and Resources: Recommend English-language movies, TV shows, news articles, and websites that incorporate "be going to" for learners to explore on their own.

30. Resources for Further Learning on "Be Going To"

To support learners in their journey to master "be going to," provide them with additional resources and references. These can include:

Grammar Books: Recommend grammar books and guides that explain "be going to" in detail and offer exercises for practice.

Online Courses: Suggest online courses and tutorials that focus on English grammar, including lessons on "be going to."

Language Learning Apps: Many language learning apps and platforms offer grammar lessons and interactive exercises, making it convenient for learners to practice on their own.

Language Exchange Groups: Encourage students to join language exchange groups or online communities where they can connect with native speakers and fellow learners.

Language Learning Websites: Share reputable websites that provide grammar explanations, exercises, and quizzes related to "be going to."

YouTube Channels: Recommend YouTube channels that offer grammar lessons and explanations in an engaging format.

Language Teachers: If learners have access to language teachers or tutors, they can seek personalized guidance and feedback on their use of "be going to."

31. Examples of "Be Going To" in Real Conversations

To illustrate the practical application of "be going to" in real conversations, let's look at some authentic dialogues:

Dialogue 1: Making Plans

A: "What are you going to do this weekend?"
B: "I'm going to visit my sister. How about you?"
A: "I'm going to attend a concert on Saturday."

In this dialogue, the speakers discuss their weekend plans, clearly using "be going to" to express their intentions.

Dialogue 2: Predicting the Future

A: "Look at those dark clouds. Do you think it's going to rain?"
B: "Yes, I do. It looks like it's going to storm."

In this exchange, the speakers use "be going to" to make predictions about the weather based on current observations.

Dialogue 3: Announcing Plans

A: "I have some exciting news. We're going to have a baby!"
B: "That's wonderful! When is the baby due?"
A: "The baby is going to arrive in September."

Here, "be going to" is used to make an announcement about a future event—the birth of a baby.

32. Mastering the Art of "Be Going To" for Effective Communication

Mastering "be going to" in English grammar is a valuable skill that empowers learners to express future intentions, plans, predictions, and certainties with clarity and confidence. By understanding its structure and various applications, learners can use "be going to" effectively in both formal and informal language contexts.

33. What is Be Going To Also Known As?

"Be going to" is also known as the "going to future." This term emphasizes the use of "going to" to express future intentions and plans. The "going to future" is a widely recognized and taught concept in English grammar, and it is used to convey future actions and events with intention and certainty.

34. Conclusion: Embracing the Versatility of "Be Going To"

In conclusion, "be going to" is an indispensable aspect of English grammar that enables learners to communicate effectively about future actions and events. Its structure is straightforward, making it accessible to learners at various proficiency levels. By mastering "be going to," learners can express their intentions, plans, predictions, and certainties with precision in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to formal presentations.

As educators and learners alike embrace the versatility of "be going to," it becomes a valuable tool for effective communication in the ever-evolving landscape of the English language. Its relevance extends beyond grammar textbooks and classrooms, enriching conversations, fostering clarity, and enhancing the ability to convey future intentions and ideas. So, let's continue to explore, practice, and appreciate the power of "be going to" in our language journeys.

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