are going to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are going to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to future plans or intentions. For example: We are going to have a meeting tomorrow to discuss the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are going to rebuild".

Independent

We are going to change".

The New Yorker

Developers are going to come".

The New York Times - Magazine

Things are going to happen.

Independent

We are going to test.

The New York Times

"But they are going to.

The New York Times

"Mistakes are going to happen.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are going to EXERCISE".

The New York Times

Emotions are going to fly".

The New York Times - Sports

They are going to learn".

Independent

There are going to be".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are going to" to express intentions, plans, or predictions, ensuring the subject agrees in number (plural subjects take "are").

Common error

Avoid using "are going to" with singular subjects. For singular subjects, use "is going to" instead, maintaining correct subject-verb agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are going to" functions as an auxiliary verb used to express future tense. It indicates an intention, plan, or prediction. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are going to" is a versatile auxiliary verb construction used to express future actions or intentions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While "are going to" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal settings, understanding its subtle differences from alternatives like "will" or "shall" can enhance precision in writing. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement and avoid using it with singular nouns. With a strong expert rating and common usage, mastering "are going to" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will

Uses a simpler auxiliary verb to express future tense, often implying a more general prediction.

shall

A more formal auxiliary verb used to express future tense, especially in first-person constructions.

intends to

Emphasizes the intention or plan to perform an action.

plans to

Highlights the presence of a pre-arranged plan for a future action.

is about to

Indicates that something is imminent or on the verge of happening.

is set to

Suggests that something is scheduled or arranged to happen.

is scheduled to

Specifically denotes a planned or timetabled future event.

will likely

Adds a degree of probability or expectation to a future event.

is expected to

Indicates that something is anticipated to happen based on current information.

is poised to

Suggests readiness and anticipation for a future action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "are going to" in a sentence?

Use "are going to" to express future plans or intentions with plural subjects. For example, "They "are going to" visit Paris next summer."

What is a more formal alternative to "are going to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "will" or "shall", depending on the subject and context. For example, instead of saying "We "are going to" present the findings", you could say "We will present the findings".

What's the difference between "are going to" and "will"?

"Are going to" often implies a pre-existing plan or intention, while "will" can be used for more spontaneous decisions or general predictions. Compare: "I "am going to" study abroad next year (it's planned)" versus "I will open the door (a spontaneous action)".

When should I use "is going to" instead of "are going to"?

Use "is going to" with singular subjects, and "are going to" with plural subjects to maintain subject-verb agreement. For instance, "He "is going to" speak at the conference", but "They "are going to" attend the workshop".