We use be going to, want to, and would like to to talk about plans, intentions and desires for the future.
These expressions help us describe what we have already decided to do, what we want to do, or what we would like to do politely.
Future Plans
We use be going to to talk about things we plan to do or intend to do in the future.
These are decisions we’ve already made.
✅ Structure:
am / is / are + going to + base form (verb)
Examples:
- I’m going to invite my neighbours for dinner.
- She’s going to buy a new phone.
- We’re going to visit our grandparents this weekend.
💡 Remember:
Use the correct form of be:
| Subject | Be verb |
|---|---|
| I | am |
| You / We / They | are |
| He / She / It | is |
Example:
I am going to call my friend.
He is going to clean his room.
Desires
A desire is something you really want , something you hope to have or do in the future.
It’s usually possible and realistic.
It comes from your feelings or needs.
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I desire peace and quiet. | You really want calmness in your life. |
| She desires to travel the world. | It’s something she really wants to do. |
| They desire success. | They want to be successful. |
💬 In everyday English, we don’t often say “desire” in conversation. It sounds formal or literary.
Instead, we usually say “want” or “would like”.
👉 Desire = Strong “want” (formal word)
Want to = a strong desire
Use want to + verb to talk about something you really plan to do or feel sure about.
It’s direct and very common in everyday English.
✅ Form:
Subject + want to + base form (verb)
Examples:
- I want to see my friends this weekend.
- She wants to travel next summer.
- We want to buy a new car.
🧠 Meaning: You have a clear plan or strong wish to do something.
Would like to = a polite or softer desire
Use would like to + verb to talk about something you want, but in a more polite or gentle way.
It’s often used when we are being nice, formal, or not completely sure.
✅ Form:
Subject + would like to + base form (verb)
(We often say ’d like instead of would like.)
Examples:
- I’d like to make a traditional meal.
- He’d like to visit Paris one day.
- We’d like to go out this Saturday.
🧠 Meaning: You want to do it, but you say it politely — it sounds friendly and nice.
🗣 Compare:
- I want to go out tonight. → (simple, direct)
- I’d like to go out tonight. → (polite and friendly)
🕐 Talking About the Future
Common Time Expressions
| ⏰ Expression | Meaning / When | 💬 Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| ⏳ in an hour | 60 minutes from now | I’m going to call you in an hour. |
| 📅 this Saturday | The coming Saturday | We’re going to a concert this Saturday. |
| 📆 in two months’ time | Two months from now | She’s going to start a new job in two months’ time. |
| 🌸 next April | The April that’s coming | They’re going to travel to Japan next April. |
| 🕑 at two o’clock tomorrow | A specific time tomorrow | I’m meeting my teacher at two o’clock tomorrow. |
| 🌞 the day after tomorrow | Two days from today | We’re going to visit our grandparents the day after tomorrow. |
| 🎓 the year after next | Two years from now | I’m going to finish university the year after next. |
| 🚀 in 2060 | A specific year in the future | People might live on Mars in 2060. |
These words help make your future sentences more natural and specific.
Let’s Practice
Practice 1
Practice 2