Present Continuous And Going To For Future Plans


Introduction

When discussing future plans and events in English, we commonly use the simple future tense. However, there are alternative ways to express future events, providing nuance and flexibility in communication.

In this article, we explore two constructs: the present continuous and the “going to” construction. Understanding their differences is crucial for effectively conveying intentions and arrangements.

Understanding The Future Tense: Variations For Expression

In English, expressing the future tense extends beyond the traditional simple future form. While the simple future tense is a common way to discuss upcoming events, there are alternative constructions that offer nuanced ways to convey intentions and plans.

Two notable alternatives are the “going to” construction and the use of the present continuous tense.

In the following sections, we will discuss how to use these forms.

Going To And Present Continuous To Express A Future Plan

As mentioned above, the present continuous tense and the “going to” construction can express future plans and events. Despite their shared purpose, there are subtle distinctions between these two forms that can impact how we communicate about the future.

1. Present Continuous For Future Plans

The present continuous tense may be used for future arrangments to express specific future plans, usually with established times and locations.

Examples:

  1. I’m doing my homework this evening.
    • Here, the speaker has a definite plan to work on their homework at a specific time – this evening.
  2. I’m starting university in September.
    • The speaker has a fixed plan to begin university at a specific time – in September.
  3. Sally is meeting John at seven o’clock this evening in a downtown restaurant.
    • Sally has made a planned arrangement to meet John at a specific time and place – seven o’clock in a downtown restaurant.

2. “To Be + Going To + Verb” Construction

The “going to” construction is used when expressing intentions or decisions about future actions, without necessarily having arranged them.

Here is the form of this construction:

To Be (In The Simple Present) + Going To + Verb

Examples:

A. Intention to Do Something Before the Moment of Speaking:

These are decisions taken before the moment of speaking. It conveys a sense of intention or a pre-existing decision.

  1. The windows are dirty.
    • Response: Yes, I know. I’m going to clean them later.
    • The speaker has an intention to clean the windows before the moment of speaking but hasn’t made specific arrangements yet.

B. Making Predictions Based on Evidence:

The going to construction is also used for predictions that are based on some kind of evidence.

  1. Watch out! You are going to break the glass.
    • A prediction about the future action of breaking the glass.
  2. It’s so cloudy! I think it’s going to rain.
    • A prediction about future weather conditions.

Note: Present Continuous vs. “Going To” for the Future

Choosing between the present continuous tense and the “going to” construction is crucial when expressing future actions in English. The present continuous emphasizes specific, pre-arranged plans with a clear timeframe, while “going to” conveys intentions or decisions made prior to the present moment, often without a fixed schedule. Additionally, “going to” serves for making predictions based on current observations.

Example Sentences

  • am flying to London next weekend.
  • She is attending a seminar on environmental conservation next week.
  • We are meeting Joseph today at 5 pm.
  • Our team is playing a decisive match in the upcoming competition.
  • He is selling her apartment to a young married couple next week.
  • am going to buy a new laptop soon.
  • They are going to visit their grandparents next weekend.
  • We are going to start a new project at work.
  • It is cloudy. It is going to rain soon.
  • He is going to apply for a scholarship to pursue further studies.

Summary

Here’s a table summarizing the information:

Future Plans Expression Usage Examples
Present Continuous for Future Plans Used to express specific future plans with established times and locations. – I’m doing my homework this evening.
– I’m starting university in September.
– Sally is meeting John at seven o’clock this evening in a downtown restaurant.
“To Be + Going To + Verb” Construction used when expressing intentions or decisions about future actions, without necessarily having arranged them. A. Intention to Do Something Before Moment of Speaking:
– The windows are dirty.
– Response: Yes, I know. I’m going to clean them later.
(The speaker has an intention to clean the windows before the moment of speaking but hasn’t made specific arrangements yet.)
B. Making Predictions Base on Evidence:
– Watch out! You are going to break the glass.
(A prediction about the future action of breaking the glass.)
– It’s so cloudy! I think it’s going to rain.
(A prediction about future weather conditions.)

Conclusion

In addition to the simple future, the present continuous tense and the “going to” construction may be used to talk about future plans or events. The present continuous is mainly used to express an arranged event in the future with established times and locations as in “I am flying to London next weekend“. The “going to” construction, however, is used for intentions or predictions as in “Hold the cup tightly it’s going to fall” or “I am going to visit her but I don’t know when“.

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