Scribd
Upload
318 views

Difference Between Present Continuous and Be Going To

The document discusses the difference between using the present continuous tense and 'be going to' when talking about future actions and events. Both can be used to express plans or intentions, with 'be going to' placing more emphasis on intention, while present continuous focuses more on arrangements that are already decided.

Uploaded by

Pavlina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
318 views

Difference Between Present Continuous and Be Going To

The document discusses the difference between using the present continuous tense and 'be going to' when talking about future actions and events. Both can be used to express plans or intentions, with 'be going to' placing more emphasis on intention, while present continuous focuses more on arrangements that are already decided.

Uploaded by

Pavlina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Difference between present continuous and be going to

Both going to and present continuous are used to talk about future actions and events that have
some present reality. So, for example, if we say that something is happening or going to happen,
it is usually already decided or planned.

We are going to get new windows.


We are getting new windows.

As you can see, both sentences express nearly the same idea.
Both present continuous and be going to can be used to express the same idea. In some cases
there is a difference of meaning.

The present continuous tense is common with verbs of movement.

I am just popping out to the café.


Are you coming to the party?

The present continuous tense is mainly used to talk about personal arrangements and fixed plans.
Be going to can also be used to express the same idea; however, it puts an extra emphasis on the
idea of intention.

I am going to get a new job. (= I intend to get a job.)


I am getting a new job. (= It is already decided / arranged. Here the focus is on the
arrangement.)

What are you doing this evening? (A question about arrangements)


Are you going to do anything about that letter you received from the civic authorities? (A
question about the intentions of the listener)
I am seeing Peter tomorrow. (Here the emphasis is on the arrangement that already exists.)
I am going to ask him to stop borrowing my car. (Here the emphasis is on the intentions of
the speaker.)

You might also like