English Grammar Guide


Future Plan Phrases


Usage - Future Plan Phrases

We can use be going to in the present continuous tense with the infinitive for future plans.

We can use be planning to for future plans that we are still making.

We can use be hoping to for future plans that we are not sure about.

We can use be thinking of with the gerund for ideas about the future.

We can use be looking forward to with the gerund for future plans that we are excited about.

Grammar - Future Plan Phrases: Present Continuous

These phrases use the present continuous tense and the verb be for negatives, questions and short answers etc.

  • SUBJ. + BE + going to + INFINITIVE
  • SUBJ. + BE + planning to + INFINITIVE
  • I am planning to go to university.
  • SUBJ. + BE + hoping to + INFINITIVE
  • She is hoping to travel next year.
  • SUBJ. + BE + thinking of + INF.-ing
  • SUBJ. + BE + looking forward to + INF.-ing
  • I am looking forward to going to Rome.
  • BE + SUBJ. + PHRASE ... ?
  • Yes, + SUBJ. + BE.
  • Is he hoping to travel next year?
  • Yes, he is.
  • BE + SUBJ. + PHRASE ... ?
  • No, + SUBJ. + NEG. BE.
  • Is he planning to move next year?
  • No, he isn't.

Examples - Future Plans

S.BEgoing toINF. + FUTURE PLAN
Iamgoing tostay at home tonight.
Iamgoing towork tomorrow.

Examples - Plans That We Are Still Making

S.BEplanning toINF. + PLAN
Iamplanning totravel abroad next year.
Iamplanning tostart a business.

Examples - Plans That We Are Not Sure About

S.BEhoping toINF. + UNSURE PLAN
Iamhoping tofind a new job soon.
Iamhoping tomeet my future wife.

Examples - Ideas That We Are Considering

S.BEthinking of...-ing + IDEA
Iamthinking ofstudying medicine.
Iamthinking oflearning the piano.

Examples - Plans That We Are Excited About

S.BElooking forward to...-ing + PLAN
Iamlooking forward togoing on holiday.
Iamlooking forward togetting married.

Examples - Future Plan Phrases: Closed Questions ➤ Yes/No

QUESTION Y/N ...
Is he going to stay at home ?➤Yes, he is.
Is she planning to study law?➤No, she isn't.
Is he hoping to go to LA?➤Yes, he is.
Is she thinking of moving?➤No, she isn't.
Is he looking forward to flying?➤Yes, he is.

⚠ Be Careful!

  • Be looking forward to uses INF.-ing.
  • I am looking forward to going to Paris. ✔
  • It is very unusual to use INF.-ing after to.
  • Most phrases use the INFINITIVE after to.
  • I am planning to go on holiday. ✔
  • I am going to visit them tomorrow. ✔
  • I need to eat. ✔
  • I have to work tomorrow. ✔
  • It was good to see you yesterday. ✔
  • I went to the park to relax. ✔
Symbols & Abbreviations
✔Correct
INF.Infinitive
N.Noun
NEG.Negative
S.Subject
SUBJ.Subject

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See Also

01) Future Predictions: will/won't/might

02) Future Plans: be going to

03) Be going to: Closed Questions & Short Answers

04) The Present Continuous Tense: Future Arrangements

05) Time Phrases: Future

06) Infinitive of Purpose: to vs for




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