(You can learn about using be going to for future plans here.)

I'm going to start a band (future plans).

"Be Going To" for future plans and arrangements

Rewrite these sentences using "be going to + verb". Use contractions ("he's" not "he is") where possible.

  1. I've decided to finish work early tomorrow.
    Example: work early tomorrow.
  1. I'm planning to meet my friends after work today.
    my friends after work today.
  2. She's agreed to help her brother do his homework.
    her brother do his homework.
  3. They don't intend to have any more children.
    any more children.
  4. We're planning to move house soon.
    house soon.
  5. Are you planning to have a party next month?
    a party next month?
  6. Does your sister intend to be a doctor?
    a doctor?
  7. We've decided not to have a holiday this year.
    a holiday this year.
  8. He intends to get a new job as soon as possible.
    a new job as soon as possible.


Present Continuous for future arrangements

The present continuous is only used for arrangements (strong plans, when you have decided where, when, who with ...). It can't be used with general plans or intentions - use 'be going to' instead.

Look at the sentences below. Click ✓ if you think it's correct (it's an arrangement). Click ✗ if you think it's wrong (it's a plan or intention and should use 'be going to').

  1. I'm visiting my friends in the USA next week.
  2. I'm being a doctor when I finish university.
  3. Tom's starting university next month.
  4. We're being rich and famous one day.
  5. I'm speaking perfect English in 6 months.
  6. Are you staying in a hotel or a campsite this weekend?
  7. I've just bought my plane tickets! I'm travelling round Asia next year!
  8. One day I'm winning the lottery.