We use "going + infinitive" to talk about the future. It is almost always the same as using "will".

• I am going to visit my family.
  (=I will visit my family.)
• It is going to rain.
  (=It will rain.)
• They are going to eat.
  (=They will eat.)

It is possible to use the verb "to go" after "going to".

• I am going to go to the game tomorrow.
• She is going to go later.

"Going + infinitive" is used when something in the future has already been decided, arranged, or is expected to happen because of the situation now.

Here is the sentence pattern.

Subject + be verb + going + infinitive…

• She is going to buy a new car next week.
• They are going to move to Los Angeles next month.
• He is going to go to college next year.
• I am going to watch a movie later.
• We are going to eat out for dinner tonight.

We can make negative sentences by adding the word "not" after the "be verb".

• I am not going to go to the concert.
• She is not going to travel this summer.
• They are not going to participate in the marathon.

We can use contractions in multiple ways.

• I'm not going to go.
• He's not going to come.
• He isn't going to play.
• They're not going to do it.
• They aren't going to watch.

We can make yes/no questions by putting the "be verb" first.

Be Verb + subject + going + infinitive…?

• Are you going to leave soon?
• Is he going to come to the party?
• Is Mark going to be here?
• Are the managers going to attend the meeting?
• Are the children going to be hungry when they come back from school?

We can also use question words.

Question Word + be verb + subject + going + infinitive…?

• What are you going to do this weekend?
• Where are we going to eat lunch?
• What time is the movie going to start?
• Why are you going to quit your job?
• How are you going to go to the beach?

This is a very common and important English grammar point to know. It is used a lot by native English speakers, so you should spend a good amount of time studying and practicing.

This free English lesson is a quick overview. The next lessons will have a lot more details and examples. Go to the next lessons to get a lot more English practice with "going to".