Future in english with I’m going to

Future in english with I’m going to …
The future with « I’m going to »

The future in english is not only with « will ».
And sometimes, we use « will » in a present situation.
Here, we’re going to see the english future tense with I’m going to.
It’s the most form used in spoken English.

1/ You want to talk about a plan for the future: (it’s decided, but not yet arranged).

=> it’s decided, but not yet arranged.

It’s decided: I’ve already decided to do it, I intend to do it …
But not arranged yet: I don’t know when I’m going to do it.
Examples:
I’m going to do it.
I’m going to call my parents.
I’m going to visit him to the hospital.
I’m going to clean my room.

Note the difference with « I’m doing ». (present continuous form).

with the present continuous form, you have decided it, and you’ve arranged it!
Examples:
I’m cleaning my room. (you’re doing it now!)
I’m going to clean my room. (it’s my decision, but when? one day …).

2/ You want to talk about a prediction based on evidence: (now)

Look at the clouds: it’s going to rain soon! Take your umbrella!
I’m cold, I think I’m going to be sick.
Sales are really bad, we’re going to lose money this month.
You look sick, you’re going to the doctor soon.

3/ You want to talk about a prediction for the future (not necessary a near future):

If you drive on the right side in England, you’re going to have an accident.
In 2 years, I’m going to be the boss of my own business.
In 10 years, I’m going to live in London.

4/ With the verb « to go », you can replace « going to go » by « going ».

I’m going out tonight.
I’m going to the museum this week end.

5/ « was going to do something » when you wanted to do something, but you didn’t.

I was going to call her when the phone rang.
maybe you changed your mind:
I was going to travel by plane, but I decided to go there by train. It’s cheaper.
maybe it didn’t happen:
I thought she was going to call me back (but she didn’t).

ENGLISH FUTURE: