Simple Future with Be Going To – Grammar & Verb Tenses

Summary

This video introduces the concept of the simple future tense in English, focusing on the use of 'be going to' to express future plans. It explains the different ways to form the simple future tense, including the use of 'will' and 'be going to' with base verbs and '-ing' verbs. The video emphasizes contractions (e.g., 'I'm', 'she's', 'we're') when using 'be going to' and provides examples of how the tense is used in everyday language. Viewers are encouraged to practice creating sentences with this structure, especially in spoken English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Verb tenses indicate when an action happens, with the simple future tense used for actions in the future.
• 😀 The simple future tense can be expressed using 'will' + base verb (e.g., 'I will do my homework tomorrow').
• 😀 'Be going to' + base verb is used for planned actions or intentions in the future (e.g., 'I'm going to clean my house next weekend').
• 😀 The simple future tense can also be formed with 'be' + -ing verb for existing future plans (e.g., 'I am taking my dog for a walk after class').
• 😀 The structure 'be going to' is commonly used in spoken English to express future plans.
• 😀 The verb 'be' changes forms depending on the subject (e.g., 'I am', 'she is', 'they are').
• 😀 Contractions of the 'be' verb are common with 'am', 'are', and 'is' (e.g., 'I'm', 'you're', 'he's').
• 😀 We can contract the 'be' verb with subject pronouns but not with plural subject nouns (e.g., 'He's going to take piano lessons').
• 😀 A sentence using 'be going to' can include contractions for a more natural and informal sound (e.g., 'We're going to order pizza').
• 😀 The exercise suggests using 'be going to' in future sentences, encouraging learners to practice both contracted and full forms.

Q & A

What is the simple future tense used for in English?

The simple future tense is used to describe actions that will happen at a future time.

How can we express the simple future tense in English?

There are three ways to express the simple future tense: using 'will + base verb', 'be going to + base verb', and 'be + -ing verb'.

Can you provide an example of using 'will' to express the future?

Yes, for example: 'I will do my homework tomorrow.'

When do we use 'be going to' in the simple future tense?

'Be going to' is used to talk about existing future plans or intentions. For example: 'I’m going to clean my house next weekend.'

What is the difference between 'will' and 'be going to'?

'Will' is often used to make decisions at the moment of speaking, while 'be going to' is used to talk about pre-existing plans or intentions.

How do you form a contraction with 'be going to'?

You can contract the 'be' verb when using 'be going to'. For example, 'I am' becomes 'I’m', 'you are' becomes 'you’re', and 'he is' becomes 'he’s'.

Can 'be going to' be contracted with singular subject nouns?

Yes, the 'be' verb can sometimes be contracted with singular subject nouns, but not with plural nouns.

What is the contracted form for 'I am going to'?

The contracted form for 'I am going to' is 'I'm going to'.

Is the sentence 'We’re going to order pizza for dinner' correct in the simple future tense?

Yes, 'We’re going to order pizza for dinner' is a correct sentence in the simple future tense using 'be going to'.

Why is 'be going to' particularly common in spoken English?

'Be going to' is commonly used in spoken English because it’s a more natural and informal way to express future actions compared to using 'will'.