we are gonna

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are gonna" is informal but can be used in written English, particularly in casual contexts.
It is typically used to express a future intention or plan in a conversational tone. Example: "We are gonna meet at the park later this afternoon."

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

So, I think we are gonna continue to see that.

Columbia University

"We are gonna have your landlord evict you" he added.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are gonna fix, we are fixing the inner cities.

The New York Times

But the idea is that we are gonna use these sanctions to adjust our concerns.

Columbia University

We are gonna take the problem off the shelves for them.

The Washington Post

We are gonna love you no matter who you are, what you do.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

We're gonna win.

The Guardian - Books

We're gonna have Cable.

Independent

"We're gonna bring it".

The New York Times

Apatow No, we're gonna.

The New York Times

We're gonna provide them".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are gonna" in informal writing or conversations where a relaxed tone is appropriate. Consider your audience and the context.

Common error

Avoid using "we are gonna" in formal essays, business reports, or academic papers. Opt for "we are going to" or "we will" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are gonna" functions primarily as a future tense marker, indicating an intention, plan, or prediction about something that will happen. According to Ludwig examples, it is used to express what we plan to do.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

11%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are gonna" is a very common informal contraction of "we are going to", used to express future intentions or plans. Ludwig's analysis, aligning with the analyzed sources, indicates that it's perfectly acceptable in informal contexts but should be avoided in formal writing where "we are going to" or "we will" are more appropriate. While grammatically acceptable in casual communication, being mindful of the audience and the desired tone is essential. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media sources and less commonly in academic settings. It is crucial to understand the context and register before deciding to use "we are gonna" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're going to

More formal alternative using the standard "going to" construction.

we will

A standard and versatile way to express future intention or prediction.

we plan to

Emphasizes a planned or scheduled future action.

we intend to

A more deliberate and formal expression of intention.

we are set to

Indicates a scheduled or arranged future event.

we shall

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to express future intention.

we are about to

Indicates that an action will happen very soon.

it is our intention to

Formal way of expressing planned future action.

we are on the verge of

Highlights that something is imminent or at the point of happening.

we anticipate

Suggests expectation about a future event.

FAQs

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

"We are gonna" is an informal contraction of "we are going to". While both express future intentions, "we are gonna" is more suitable for casual conversations, while "we are going to" is appropriate in more formal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "we are gonna" in writing?

Use "we are gonna" in informal writing such as personal emails, text messages, or casual blog posts. Avoid it in formal documents like academic papers, business reports, or professional correspondence, where "we are going to" or "we will" are better choices.

Are there situations where "we are gonna" is not appropriate?

Yes, it's best to avoid "we are gonna" in formal settings, professional communications, or any context where maintaining a serious or respectful tone is important. In such cases, use more formal alternatives like "we are going to" or "we will".

What can I say instead of "we are gonna" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, use alternatives such as "we are going to", "we will", or "we intend to". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.