Mastering 'Going To': Questions & Future Plans

Aug 12, 2025 by Pedro Alvarez 47 views

Mastering 'Going To' Questions: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into mastering 'going to' questions. If you've ever wondered how to ask about future plans or intentions, you've come to the right place. The 'going to' structure is super useful for talking about what's going to happen, and getting it right can make your English sound way more natural and fluent. So, let's break it down and get you feeling confident about asking and answering these questions.

First off, what exactly are 'going to' questions? Well, they are questions we use to inquire about future plans, intentions, or predictions. Think of it as asking someone, “What are you planning to do?” or “What’s going to happen?” This structure is particularly handy because it covers both pre-arranged plans and predictions based on current evidence. For example, you might ask, “Are you going to watch the game tonight?” (a plan) or “Is it going to rain?” (a prediction based on the weather).

Why is mastering this structure so important? Imagine trying to make plans with friends or discussing upcoming events without it. It’d be tough! Using 'going to' correctly allows you to communicate clearly about the future, ensuring everyone understands the plans and expectations. Plus, it’s a fundamental part of English grammar, so nailing it will boost your overall language skills.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the structure step-by-step, look at tons of examples, and even tackle some common mistakes. By the end, you’ll not only know how to form these questions but also when to use them effectively. We’ll cover everything from the basic word order to more nuanced uses in different contexts. So, grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to form 'going to' questions. The structure is actually pretty straightforward once you break it down. At its core, a 'going to' question follows a specific pattern:

Auxiliary verb (am, is, are) + subject + going to + base form of the verb + …?

Let’s unpack each part of this structure to make sure we’re all on the same page. The auxiliary verb is the first key element. This is where 'am', 'is', or 'are' comes into play. The choice of which auxiliary verb to use depends on the subject of the sentence. Remember:

Use 'am' with 'I' (e.g., Am I going to…?).
Use 'is' with singular subjects like 'he', 'she', 'it', or any singular noun (e.g., Is she going to…?).
Use 'are' with plural subjects like 'you', 'we', 'they', or any plural noun (e.g., Are they going to…?).

Next up is the subject of the question. This is the person or thing that the question is about. It could be a pronoun like 'he' or 'they', a name like 'John' or 'Mary', or a noun like 'the cat' or 'the students'. Make sure the auxiliary verb and the subject agree! This is a super common mistake, so double-checking will save you from grammatical mishaps.

Then we have 'going to', which is the star of the show! This phrase indicates that we’re talking about the future. It’s the glue that holds the future intention or plan together.

After 'going to', we need the base form of the verb. This is the infinitive form of the verb without 'to'. So, if the infinitive is 'to eat', the base form is 'eat'. If it’s 'to play', the base form is 'play'. This part is crucial because using the wrong verb form can completely change the meaning of your question.

Finally, we have the rest of the question, which can include objects, adverbs, or any other information needed to make the question complete. For example, “Are you going to the party tonight?” The phrase “to the party tonight” adds the specifics to the question.

Let’s look at some examples to solidify this structure:

Am I going to pass the exam?
Is he going to fix the car?
Are they going to visit us?
Is it going to snow tomorrow?
Are you going to finish the project on time?

See how each question follows the auxiliary verb + subject + going to + base form of the verb structure? Mastering this pattern will make forming 'going to' questions a breeze!

Okay, guys, let’s break down forming questions with 'going to' into a step-by-step process. This will make it super clear and easy to remember. Trust me, once you get the hang of these steps, you’ll be crafting questions like a pro!

Step 1: Identify the Subject

The very first thing you need to do is figure out who or what your question is about. Who are you asking about? Is it yourself ('I'), someone else ('he', 'she', 'they', 'you'), or something ('it', 'the dog', 'the car')? Identifying the subject is crucial because it determines the auxiliary verb you’ll use.

For example, if you want to ask about your friend, the subject might be 'he' or 'she'. If you’re asking about a group of people, the subject might be 'they'. If you’re asking about a plan you have, the subject is 'I'.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Auxiliary Verb

Once you know the subject, you can choose the correct auxiliary verb. Remember our handy guide:

'Am' goes with 'I'.
'Is' goes with singular subjects (he, she, it, John, the cat).
'Are' goes with plural subjects (you, we, they, the students).

This step is super important because using the wrong auxiliary verb is a common mistake. So, take a moment to double-check! For instance, if the subject is 'they', you’ll use 'are'. If the subject is 'he', you’ll use 'is'.

Step 3: Add 'Going To'

Now, it’s time to add our key phrase: 'going to'. This is what signals that we’re talking about a future plan or intention. Just slot it right in after the subject.

For example, if you’ve got “Are they,” the next step is to add “going to” to make it “Are they going to.” See how it’s coming together?

Step 4: Use the Base Form of the Verb

Next up, we need the base form of the verb. This is the infinitive form without 'to'. So, if the action is 'to eat', you just use 'eat'. If it's 'to watch', you use 'watch'. This part can sometimes trip people up, so pay attention!

Let’s say you want to ask if someone is going to travel. The base form of 'to travel' is 'travel', so you’d add that after 'going to'. If the subject is 'you', it becomes, “Are you going to travel?”

Step 5: Complete the Question

Finally, add any extra details to complete your question. This might include where, when, why, or how. The extra details give context and make your question specific.

For example, “Are you going to travel” is a good start, but “Are you going to travel to Europe next summer?” is much more specific. The phrase “to Europe next summer” completes the question and gives the person you’re asking a clear idea of what you mean.

Let’s put it all together with an example:

Subject: She
Auxiliary Verb: Is
Add 'Going To': Is she going to
Base Form of Verb: Is she going to study
Complete the Question: Is she going to study abroad next year?

Following these steps will help you nail 'going to' questions every time. Practice makes perfect, so let’s move on to some examples!

Okay, guys, let's dive into some real-life examples of 'going to' questions in different contexts. Seeing these in action will help you understand how versatile and useful this structure really is. We’ll look at scenarios from making plans to discussing predictions, so you’ll be ready for anything!

1. Making Plans

When you’re trying to coordinate with friends or family, 'going to' questions are your best friend. They help you figure out schedules, make arrangements, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Here are a few examples:

“Are you going to come to the party on Saturday?”
- This question is perfect for confirming someone’s attendance at an event. It’s direct and clear, leaving no room for ambiguity. Maybe you’re planning a birthday bash and need to know how many people to expect. This question helps you get a definite answer.
“What are you going to do this weekend?”
- This is a great open-ended question to kick off a conversation about plans. It gives the person a chance to share their intentions, and you can build from there. Perhaps you’re looking for something fun to do together, and this question opens the door to suggestions.
“Are we going to meet for coffee tomorrow morning?”
- If you’ve tentatively made plans, this question is ideal for solidifying the details. It’s specific about the time and activity, making it clear what you’re asking about. Maybe you need to finalize the time and place, and this question does just that.
“Is he going to pick us up from the airport?”
- This question is practical for logistics. It’s about arranging transportation and ensuring someone knows their responsibility. Perhaps you’re coordinating travel arrangements, and this question helps confirm who’s doing the pickup.

2. Discussing Intentions

Sometimes, you need to know what someone intends to do, even if the plans aren’t set in stone. 'Going to' questions are perfect for probing intentions and future actions. Check these out:

“Are you going to apply for that job?”
- This question gets to the heart of someone’s career aspirations. It’s about whether they intend to take action on an opportunity. Maybe you’re curious about their job search, and this question gets a direct answer.
“What are you going to study in college?”
- This is a big-picture question about future academic plans. It’s about exploring someone’s interests and potential career paths. Perhaps you’re advising a student, and this question helps them articulate their goals.
“Is she going to move to a new city?”
- This question is about major life decisions. It’s about whether someone intends to make a significant change in their living situation. Maybe you’re concerned about a friend, and this question helps you understand their plans.
“Are they going to learn a new language?”
- This question is about personal goals and self-improvement. It’s about whether someone intends to take on a new challenge. Perhaps you’re discussing hobbies, and this question explores their interests.

3. Making Predictions

'Going to' isn’t just for plans; it’s also for predictions based on current evidence. These questions help you discuss what you think will happen in the future. Here are some examples:

“Is it going to rain later?”
- This is a classic prediction question based on the weather forecast or current conditions. It’s about anticipating future weather events. Maybe you’re planning an outdoor activity, and this question helps you prepare.
“Are they going to win the game?”
- This question is about predicting the outcome of a competition. It’s based on the team’s performance and other factors. Perhaps you’re a sports fan, and this question lets you speculate about the results.
“Is he going to pass the test?”
- This question is about predicting someone’s success based on their preparation. It’s about evaluating their chances of achieving a goal. Maybe you’re supporting a friend, and this question shows your interest in their progress.
“Is the stock market going to crash?”
- This question is about financial predictions. It’s based on economic indicators and market trends. Perhaps you’re an investor, and this question helps you assess potential risks.

By exploring these examples, you can see how 'going to' questions fit into everyday conversations. Whether you’re planning a party, discussing career moves, or predicting the weather, this structure has got you covered!

Alright, let’s talk about some common mistakes people make when forming 'going to' questions. Knowing these pitfalls will help you avoid them and sound more polished and accurate in your English. Trust me, spotting these errors is half the battle!

1. Incorrect Auxiliary Verb

This is probably the most frequent mistake. People often mix up 'am', 'is', and 'are'. Remember, the auxiliary verb must agree with the subject. Let’s recap:

'Am' goes with 'I'.
'Is' goes with singular subjects (he, she, it).
'Are' goes with plural subjects (you, we, they).

A common error is saying “Is they going to…” or “Are he going to…”. These are incorrect. The correct forms are “Are they going to…” and “Is he going to…”.

Example:

Incorrect: Is they going to the concert?
Correct: Are they going to the concert?

How to avoid it: Always double-check that your auxiliary verb matches your subject. Take a split second to mentally review the subject-verb agreement rules.

2. Forgetting the Base Form of the Verb

After 'going to', you need the base form of the verb (the infinitive without 'to'). Using the wrong form can completely change the meaning of your question or make it nonsensical.

For example, you should say “Are you going to eat?” not “Are you going to eating?” or “Are you going to ate?”.

Example:

Incorrect: Is she going to ate dinner?
Correct: Is she going to eat dinner?

How to avoid it: Remind yourself that 'going to' is followed by the simplest form of the verb. If you’re unsure, mentally strip away the 'to' from the infinitive form.

3. Omitting 'Going To'

Sometimes, people forget to include 'going to' altogether. This can make the question sound awkward or like you’re talking about the present continuous tense instead of the future.

For example, saying “Are you eat dinner?” doesn’t make sense. It’s missing the crucial 'going to'.

Example:

Incorrect: Are you eat dinner?
Correct: Are you going to eat dinner?

How to avoid it: Make 'going to' a non-negotiable part of your question structure. Think of it as the bridge that connects the subject and the future action.

4. Word Order Mistakes

The word order in 'going to' questions is specific: Auxiliary verb + subject + going to + base form of the verb. Messing up this order can lead to confusion.

For example, “Going to you are…” is a scrambled mess. The correct order is “Are you going to…”.

Example:

Incorrect: Going to you are watch the movie?
Correct: Are you going to watch the movie?

How to avoid it: Drill the basic structure into your head. Practice forming questions in the correct order until it becomes second nature.

5. Using 'Will' Interchangeably (When Inappropriate)

While 'going to' and 'will' both talk about the future, they’re not always interchangeable. 'Going to' is best for plans and intentions, while 'will' is often used for spontaneous decisions or general predictions.

For example, if you’ve already made a plan, 'going to' is more appropriate. If you’re making a decision on the spot, 'will' might be better.

Example:

Less Appropriate: Will you go to the party? (when you’ve already discussed it)
More Appropriate: Are you going to go to the party? (when you’ve already discussed it)

How to avoid it: Think about whether you’re discussing a pre-existing plan or a spontaneous action. If it’s a plan, 'going to' is your go-to.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can significantly improve your ability to form 'going to' questions correctly. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be asking about future plans like a pro!

Okay, guys, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Practice is key to mastering any grammar topic, and 'going to' questions are no exception. These exercises will help you solidify your understanding and build confidence. So, grab a pen and paper (or your favorite digital notepad), and let’s get started!

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following questions using the correct form of 'going to'. Pay close attention to the subject and use the appropriate auxiliary verb.

 	 _____ you _____ (travel) next summer?

```
 	 _____ she _____ (study) abroad?
```

 	 _____ they _____ (visit) their grandparents?

 	 _____ he _____ (fix) the car himself?

```
 	 _____ it _____ (rain) tomorrow?
```

 	 What _____ you _____ (do) this evening?

 	 Where _____ we _____ (go) for dinner?

 	 Who _____ they _____ (invite) to the party?

```
 	 Why _____ he _____ (be) so late?
```
_____ I _____ (pass) this exam?

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following 'going to' questions. Some sentences may be correct, so read carefully!

```
 	 Is they going to come?
```
```
 	 Are he going to the store?
```
```
 	 Am you going to the beach?
```
```
 	 She going to watch the game?
```
```
 	 Going to you visit your family?
```
```
 	 Is it going rain later?
```
```
 	 What you are going to do?
```
```
 	 Are they going buy a new car?
```
```
 	 Is she going to ate lunch?
```
Are we go to the movies?

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Questions

Write five 'going to' questions based on the following prompts. Try to use a variety of subjects and verbs.

 	 Ask a friend about their weekend plans.

 	 Ask a colleague about their career intentions.

 	 Ask a family member about their travel plans.

 	 Ask about a weather prediction for tomorrow.

 	 Ask about the likely outcome of a sports game.

Exercise 4: Scenario-Based Questions

Imagine you are in the following situations. Write one 'going to' question for each scenario.

 	 You are planning a surprise party and need to confirm someone’s attendance.

 	 You are curious about your friend’s New Year’s resolutions.

 	 You want to know if your roommate is going to clean the apartment.

 	 You are discussing the possibility of a promotion at work.

 	 You are wondering if the bus will be on time.

These exercises should give you a good workout with 'going to' questions. Take your time, think through each question, and remember the rules we’ve covered. The more you practice, the more natural and confident you’ll become!

Alright, guys, we’ve reached the end of our journey into mastering 'going to' questions. Pat yourselves on the back – you’ve come a long way! From understanding the basic structure to tackling common mistakes and practicing with exercises, you’re now well-equipped to use this essential grammar point effectively.

We started by defining what 'going to' questions are and why they’re so important. Remember, these questions are your go-to for discussing future plans, intentions, and predictions. They help you coordinate with others, explore possibilities, and make sense of what might happen next. Without them, talking about the future would be a real challenge!

Next, we broke down the structure step-by-step: auxiliary verb (am, is, are) + subject + going to + base form of the verb. We saw how each part fits together and how crucial it is to get the word order right. Mastering this structure is like having a blueprint for building perfect questions every time.

We also walked through forming questions step-by-step, from identifying the subject to adding those all-important details. This methodical approach makes the process manageable and ensures you don’t miss any critical components. Remember, each step builds on the last, leading you to a well-formed question.

Then, we explored tons of real-life examples in different contexts, from making plans to discussing intentions and predictions. Seeing 'going to' questions in action brings them to life and shows you just how versatile they are. Whether you’re chatting with friends, making professional inquiries, or speculating about the future, this structure fits seamlessly into everyday conversations.

We also tackled common mistakes head-on, from using the wrong auxiliary verb to forgetting the base form. Knowing these pitfalls helps you steer clear of them and polish your English. Spotting and correcting these errors is a major step toward fluency.

Finally, we put your knowledge to the test with a range of practice exercises. These exercises are your chance to solidify what you’ve learned and build your confidence. Practice truly makes perfect, and the more you work with 'going to' questions, the more natural they’ll become.

So, what’s the takeaway? Mastering 'going to' questions isn’t just about grammar; it’s about effective communication. It’s about expressing your curiosity, making clear plans, and understanding the world around you. It’s a skill that will serve you well in countless situations, from casual chats to important decisions.

Keep practicing, keep exploring, and keep asking questions! You’ve got this, guys. And remember, every question you ask brings you one step closer to mastering English.