1- Form
verb 'to be' + going to + infinitive of the main verb
Subject + 'to be' + going to + infinitive
I am going to leave
2- Function
The use of 'going to' to refer to future events suggests a very strong association with the present. The time is not important - it is later than now, but the attitude is the event depends on a present situation, that we know about it. So it is used:
- plans and intentions
We're going to move to London next year. (= the plan is in our minds now.)
- predictions based on present evidence:
Look at those clouds - it is going to pour with rain! (= it's clear from what I can see now.)
Note: In everyday speech, 'going to' is often shortened to 'gonna', especially In American English.
Plans and intentions:
- Is Freddy going to buy a new car soon?
- Are John and Pam going to visit Milan when they are in Italy?
- I think Nigel and Mary are going to have a party next week.
Predictions based on present evidence:
- There is going to be a terrible accident!
- He is going to be a brilliant politician.
- I'm going to have a terrible indigestion.
Note: It is unusual to say 'I'm going to go to...'
Instead, we use 'going to' + a place or event:
Examples:
- We're going to the beach tomorrow.
- She is going to the ballet tonight.
- Are you going to the party tomorrow night?
