✨ How to talk about your future plans and goals in English ✨

Summary

In this video, English teacher Cara guides viewers on how to confidently discuss future plans, hopes, dreams, and goals in English. She covers ways to talk about definite plans (using 'going to', present continuous, and 'plan'), uncertain plans ('will', 'might', 'may', and 'thinking about'), and aspirations ('hope to', 'I'd like to', 'goals', and 'aspire to'). Cara also shares useful phrases to express excitement about the future, such as 'I'm excited to', 'I can't wait to', and 'looking forward to'. By the end of the video, viewers will be equipped with the language to discuss their own future with ease.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can express definitive plans using structures like 'going to' plus the base form or the present continuous tense.
• 😀 Uncertain plans can be conveyed using 'will,' 'might,' or 'may,' which indicate ideas that are still in the planning phase.
• 😀 To talk about hopes, dreams, and goals, use phrases like 'I hope to,' 'I'd like to,' 'I've always wanted to,' and 'I aspire to.'
• 😀 To show excitement about future events, use expressions like 'I’m excited to,' 'I can’t wait to,' or 'I’m looking forward to.'
• 😀 'Going to' plus the base form indicates plans that have already been made prior to the conversation (e.g., 'I’m going to go to Finland').
• 😀 Present continuous (subject + 'to be' + verb-ing) also works for definite plans, especially when talking about future events (e.g., 'We are moving to a new city next month').
• 😀 You can use 'plan to' and 'plan on' to talk about specific plans you are actively working towards (e.g., 'I’m planning on studying English every day').
• 😀 When expressing uncertain plans, you can say 'I might' or 'I may' to suggest that something is possible but not definite.
• 😀 The phrase 'I’m thinking about' is used when a plan is still in the idea stage, showing you are considering an option (e.g., 'I’m thinking about going skydiving').
• 😀 When talking about dreams and long-term aspirations, expressions like 'I've always wanted to' or 'One of my goals is to' help frame vague or long-term ambitions (e.g., 'I’ve always wanted to start my own business').

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to teach viewers how to express their plans, hopes, dreams, and goals in English, especially when discussing future events and aspirations.

What are the key structures used to talk about definitive plans in English?

To talk about definitive plans, we often use 'going to' + base form, the present continuous (subject + verb to be + verb-ing), and 'planning to' or 'planning on' + verb forms.

How do you express uncertain plans in English?

Uncertain plans can be expressed using 'will' + base form, 'might' + base form, 'may' + base form, 'thinking about' + verb-ing, and other similar phrases.

Can you give an example of using 'going to' to talk about a definitive plan?

An example would be: 'I'm going to go to the gym three times next week,' indicating a plan that has already been made.

What is the difference between 'planning to' and 'planning on' in the context of definitive plans?

'Planning to' is typically followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., 'I’m planning to take a cooking class'), while 'planning on' is followed by the verb-ing form (e.g., 'I’m planning on working out more this year').

How do you express hopes, dreams, and goals in English?

Hopes, dreams, and goals are expressed using phrases like 'I hope to' + base form, 'I'd like to' + base form, 'I've always wanted to' + base form, 'one of my goals is to' + base form, and 'I aspire to' + base form.

What is the function of 'I hope to' in expressing future intentions?

'I hope to' is used to express desires or intentions for the future, such as 'I hope to travel to Japan one day.' It reflects a wish or hope without certainty of achieving it.

How can excitement about the future be expressed in English?

Excitement about the future can be expressed using phrases like 'I'm excited to' + base form, 'I'm looking forward to' + verb-ing, 'I can't wait to' + base form, and 'I'm excited about' + noun or gerund.

What is an example of using 'I can't wait to' for excitement?

An example would be: 'I can’t wait to start my new job,' which shows strong anticipation and excitement for an upcoming event.

Why is using the present continuous helpful for expressing definitive plans?

The present continuous helps show that the plan is already made and is definite. For example, 'I’m visiting my friend in New York City in February' suggests a confirmed plan.