English Grammar (The Future): Lesson 2-Talk About Your Intentions

Talk About Your Intentions Using BE GOING TO…

Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.

~Peter Drucker, author

This is the second lesson in THE FUTURE series. Today, you are going to learn how to talk about your intentions using BE GOING TO…

By the end of this week you should be able to plan your ideal year in a clear and effective way.

Are you up for this challenge? Of course, you are! So let’s look at what we have today.

What are intentions?

An intention is an idea or a plan that you want to do or carry out.

Synonyms: Aim, plan

We use BE GOING TO … when we express what we have decided to do.

Examples

  • I am going to work harder this year.
  • We are going to get good results at school.
  • I am not going to eat junk food.
English Grammar_BE GOING TO (Talk About Your Intentions) Learn English With Africa_September 2019

NOTE: BE GOING TO… can also be used to talk about predictions based on present evidence.

Examples:

  • The sky is dark. There is going to be a storm.
  • I am late. I am going to miss my train.
  • She works hard. She is going to be promoted.

Now let’s go back to talking about intentions. What have you decided to do this school year? If you are an employee, what are you intending to do at work to have a successful year?

How To Talk About Your Intentions

At School

Oftentimes, the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to set goals. This is the ideal time to outline what we intend to do for the next coming months.

Examples:

  • I am going to do all my homework this year.
  • I am going to focus more in class.
  • We are not going to make noise in class.
  • I am going to go to the museum to increase my knowledge about art and different cultures.
  • I am going to wake up early so that I can arrive at school on time.
  • I am going to make friends.
  • I am going to work on interesting projects.

YOUR TURN: What type of student are you? What are your intentions for this new school year? Talk about them!

English Grammar_BE GOING TO_(1) (Talk About Your Intentions) Learn English With Africa_September 2019

At Work

Work is usually pleasant after the summer holidays. We are well-rested and full of plans and good energy.

What are your intentions for the next coming weeks?

Examples

  • I am going to sleep earlier so that I don’t have trouble waking up in the morning.
  • I am going to do more sports so as to have enough energy to do my work.
  • I am going to be more proactive at work.
  • I am going to take more initiatives.
  • I am not going to work until I drop dead. I intend to rest more.
  • I am not going to eat unhealthy food because I want to have a healthier lifestyle.
  • I am going to stop smoking.

YOUR TURN: What type of employee are you? What are your intentions for this year? Talk about them!

Well, that’s the end of the lesson for today.

Good luck with acting upon your intentions!

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

~ William A. Foster

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